/'■■
A
STATISTICAL ACCOUNT
OP THE
WEST INDIA ISLANDS,
TOGETHER WITH
GENERAL DESCRIPTIONS
OF THE
BERMUDAS, BAY ISLANDS, AND BELIZE,
AND THE
GUAYANA COLONIES.
BY RICHARD S. FISHER, M.D.,
AUTHOR OP THE " PllOGUESS OP THE UNITED STATES," THE " BOOK OF THE WORLD," ETC.
Kllustcateti 63) a Weip itita ^utl)entic Mn$,
NEW YORK:
J. H. COLTON AND COMPANY,
No. 172 WILLIAM STEEET.
* 1855.
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1S55, by
J. H. COLTON AND COMPANY,
in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of
New York.
DATIE3 AND BOBBRTS, STBEEOTTPEBS,
201 William Street, N. Y.
PTJDNEY AND KUSSELL, PRINTEK8,
79 John Street, N. Y.
/.
^6.
CONTENTS.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE WEST INDIES :
Geography — Geology — Climate — Botany — Zoology — Aborigines and present Population — Era
of Prosperity— Industrial Pursuits— Political Arrangement, etc Page 7-16
!, XTO DOMINGO :
Geography— Geology— Climate— Products — History. Empire of Eayti—AgncnUare — Com-
merce— Population — Government — Faustin I. and his Court — Churches and Schools — Port-
au-Prince— Cape Haytien — Eecent History, etc. T/ie DominiGan Republic — Provinces and
■^opulation-Industry— Exports and Imports— Government — Finances — Armed Force— Ed-
ucation, etc.— Santo Domingo City— Porto Plata— Eecent History 16-25
\ SP \NISH ISLANDS :
l/«&«— Geography and Geology— Climate and Products— Extent, Population, etc.— Jurisdic-
tions—Adjacent Islands (note)— Productive Industry, Agriculture, and Cattle Breeding-
Manufactures — Commerce— Railroads— Government— Public Finances — Armed Forces — Ed-
ucation, Eeligion — Habana—Matanzas— Puerto Principe— Santiago, etc.— History, Porto
iSico— Geography, etc.— Departments, Population, etc.— Resources, Industry, etc. — Govern-
ment—Towns—Historical Account, etc 25-35
BRITISH ISLANDS :
Extent and General Statistics— the Bahama Islands- Turk's Island — Jamaica— the Caymans
—Trinidad— Tobago— Grenada— St. Vincent— St. Lucia— Barbadoes— Dominica— Montserrat
— Antigua— St. Christopher— Barbuda— Anguilla— Virgin Islands, etc 35-45
FRENCH ISLANDS :
Guadaloupe (^o-yerwrne^i^— Gnadaloupe— Marie-Galante— Desirade— Les Saintes — St. Mar-
tin. Martinique Gccernment, etc 45-48
DUTCH ISLANDS :
General Statistics— Cura^oa-Bonaire-Aruba-Saba— St. Eustatius— St. Martin, etc. . 49-51
DANISH ISLANDS :
Extent and Population.— St. Thomas— Santa Cruz— St. John, etc 51-53
SWEDISH ISLAND :
St. Bartholomew = 54
GENERAL STATISTICS OF THE WEST INDIES 54
iv CONTENTS
BERMUDA OR SOMERS' ISLANDS :
Geography — Climate, Soil, and Products— Parishes— Area and Population — Industry— Gov-
ernment, Education, etc. — Public Works — Towns — History 55-58
BELIZE OR BRITISH HONDURAS :
General Description — Climate, Soil, Products, etc. — Population and Industry — Government
— Belize — History, etc 58-61
BAY ISLANDS :
Eoatan, Bonaca, TJtilla, Barbarat, Helena, and Morat — History, etc 61-64
GUAYANA COLONIES :
General Description. JBritish Guayana — Essequibo, Demerara, and Berbice. Dutch Ouay-
ona— Surinam. French Quay ana — Cayenne — Industry, Population, Government, History,
etc 65-68
INDEX TO PLACES
Page
Abaco Island 36
AguadUla 83
Ambergris Key 59
Andros Island 36
Anegada Island 44
Anguilla Island 35, 44
Anguillita Island 44
Anatto 37
Anse-Gralet 46
Antigua Island 35, 43
Antonio 37
Arecibo 33
Artibonite Elver 17
Aruba Island 49, 50
Aves or Bird Islands . . 50
Azua 22-24
Azuey Lake 17
Bahama Islands 35, 36
Bahia Honda 27
Bani 24
Bara9oa 27, 32
Barbadoes Island 35, 41
Barbuda Island 35, 44
Basse-Terre 44, 45
Batavia 67
Bay Islands 61
Bayaguana 24
Bayamo 27,32
Bejucal 27,32
Belize 58-61
Berbice 65, 66
Bermuda Islands 55-58
Bieque Island 85
Bimini Islands 36
Black Eiver 37
Bonaca Island 62
Boya 24
Bridgetown 42
Oabes-Terres ......... 45
CaboEoxo 84
Caguas 33
Caicos Islands ........ 86
Calliagua 40
Camanas Island 44
Page
Cape Hay tien 21
Cape Tiburon 16
Cardenas 27
Caroni Eiver 38
Castries 41
Cat Island 36
Cayenne Island 68
Caymans Island 35, 37
Caymanbrac 37
Cayo Cocos 27
Cayo Guajaba 27
Cayo Eomano 27
Cayo Sal 36
Charlestown 44
Charlotte-Amalia. . 51
Charlotte-Town 42
Chris tiansborg 53
Christianstadt 53
Cibao Mountains 16
Cienfuegos 26, 31
Crooked Island 36
Cuba 25
Culebra 35
Cura^oa 49
Curagoa Chica 50
Demerara 65, 66
Desirade or Deseada
Island 46
Deux Mamelles 45
Dog Island 44
Dominica Island 35-42
Dominican Eepublic .. 22
Egmont Harbor 40
Eleuthera Island 86
English Harbor 43
Enriquillo Lake 17
Essequibo 65, 66
Exuma Islands 36
Fredenburg 67
Georgetown .... 38, 39, 40, 66
Gonaives 21
Goyaves Eiver 46
Page
Grandbourg 46
Grand Bahama Island 36
Grande-Terre 45
Grenada Island 35, 39
Grenadines 39
Green Cayo 36
Greenville Bay 40
Greater Antilles 7
Gros Montague 45
Guadaloupe Island. ... 45
Guana 44
Guanabacoa 27
Giiantanamo 27
Guayamo 33-34
Guayana 65
Guayana, Brazilian, ... 65
Guayana, British 66, 67
Guayana, Dutch 67
Guayana, French 68
Guayana, Venezuelan 65
Guayanilla 34
Giiines 27,32
Gustavia 54
Habana 27-31
Hamilton 57
Harbor Island 36
Hay ti, Empire of. 19
Helene Island 61
Heneague Island 36
Higuey 24
Holguin 27,32
Humacao 33
Inagua Islands 36
IsladePinos 26
Jamaica Island 35, 86
Jaruco 27,32
Jews' Town 67
Jiguani 27
Jos Van Dyke's Island 44
Kingston 87
Kingstown 40
Laborie 41
INDEX TO PLACES.
Page
La Carenage 54
Lamentin Eiver. 46
Lesser Antilles 7
Les Carmes 46
Les Saintes Islands ... 46
Lezarde Eiver 46
Long Island 86
Luc ay OS Islands 7
Magdenburg 67
Mahault Bay 46
Manati 34
Manzanillo 27, 32
Marie-Galante 45, 46
Mariel 27
Martinique Island 48
Matanzas 27, 32
Mayagues 33
Monte Christi 16
Monte Plata 24
Mont Pel6e 43
Montserrat Island 35, 42
Morat 61
Morne Diablotin 42
Moule 46
Mount Hillaby 41
Mount Misery 43
Nassau 86
Nevis 85, 44
New Amsterdam 66, 67
New Providence 36
Neybo 24
Nichar 44
Nisao River 17
Nuevitas 27, 32
Oistin's Eiver 42
Orange Town 68
Oropuche 88
Ortoire 88
Oyapok 68
Ozama Eiver 17
Paramaribo 67
Patillas 84
Penniston Island 44
Penualas 34
Page
Pidgeon Island 41
Pinar del Eio 27
Pinos, Isla de 27
Piton de Bouillante ... 45
Plymouth 43
Point-a-Pitre 46
Ponce 83
Port-au-Prince 20
Port Maria 37
Port Morant 37
Porto Plata 24
Porto Eico Island 33
Porto Eico City 34
Portsmouth 42
Port Souflfriere 41
Princestown 40
Pj ince Eupert's Bay. . . 42
Puerto d'Espana 89
Puerto Principe 27, 33
Punta Grande 61
Eagged Islands 36
Eemedios 27, 32
Eoatan Island 62
Eosario 27, 32
Eoseau 42
Eum Cayo 36
Saba Island 49, 50
Saguerilla 84
Sagua 27
St. Anne 46
St. Bartholomew Island 54
Saintes, Les 45, 46
St. Christopher Island. 85, 43
St. Eastatius 49, 50
St. George's 57
St. Georgetown 40
St. German 83
St. James' 42
St. John Island 51, 53
, St. John 43
St. Louis 46
St. Luc^g, Island 35, 41
St. Martin Island. 45, 47, 49, 51
St. Pierre 48
St. Thomas Island 51
St. Yincent Island 35, 40
Page
Salinas 34
Samana 16
San Antonio 27, 82
San Cristobal 24, 27
San Juan de Maguana. 24
San Nicolas 21
San Salvador Island ... 86
Santa Anna Harbor ... 49
Santa Cruz Island .... 51, 52
Santa Cruz del Seybo . 22, 24
Santiago 22, 24
Santiago de Cuba 27, 32
Santo Domingo Island. 16
Santo Domingo City.. . 22, 23
Santo Espiritu 27, 82
Savanna la Mar 87
Scarboro' 39
Seybo 24
Sh eckerly Mountain ... 43
Sierra del Cobre 26
Sinnamary 68
Souflriere 45
Spanish Islands 25
Spanish Town 37
Speight's Town 42
Surinam 65, 67
Tobago Island 35, 39
Tortola Island 44, 45
Tortuga Island 16
Trinidad Island 35, 38
Trinidad de Cuba 27, 32
Tunas 27
Turk's Island 35
Utilla Island 61
VegaEeal...., 16
Vieux-Fort 41
Villa-Clara 27,82
Virgin Gorda Island. . . 44
Virgin Islands 85, 44
Watling Island 36
"Wilhelmsburg 67
Wilhelmstadt 49
Yacki Eiver 17
THE WEST INDIES.
The West Indies consist of an archipelago of numerous large and small
islands, lying in the wide interval of sea between the south coast of
North America and the north coast of South America. Their rich and
varied products, the high state of their cultivation, and the very singu-
lar forms of society existing in them, have rendered them in modern
times peculiarly interesting.
Astronomical and Geographical Position. — These islands extend in a
species of curved line, first east and then south, beginning near the south-
ern part of the United States and terminating at the north-east corner of
the Spanish Main, near the mouth of the Orinoco River. On the east
and north they are bounded by the Atlantic Ocean ; on the south by the
Caribbean Sea, and on the west by the wide expanse of the Mexican
Gulf, which in that direction interposes between them and the continent.
They are situated between the fifty-ninth and eighty-fifth degrees of lon-
gitude west from Greenwich, and between the parallels of ten and
twenty-eight of north latitude.
General Description. — Geographers have distinguished these islands
into three arbitrary groups, viz., the Lucayos or Bahama Islands, the
Greater Antilles, and the Lesser Antilles or Caribbean Islands.
The Lucayos or Bahama Islands consist of fourteen principal and an
infinite number of smaller islands and cayos, extending in line ofi" the
coast of Florida to the island of San Domingo or Hayti, a distance of
about 750 miles. These are chiefly of coral formation — low, flat, and
scantily covered with soil, and most of them uninhabited. Their climate
is mild and agreeable, free alike from the scorching heats of the tropics
and the low grades of temperature incident to more northern regions.
The Greater Antilles, extending from the Gulf of Mexico eastward
toward the Atlantic Ocean, consist of the large .and fine islands of Cuba,
Santo Domingo or Hayti, Porto Rico, and Jamaica, the position of which
is farther west than either the Bahama or the Caribbean Islands.
The Lesser Antilles or Caribbean Islands, so called from the Caribs
or people inhabiting them when first discovered by the Spaniards, form
a long chain extending in a curved, line from Porto Rico to the Gulf of
THE WEST INDIES
Paria. These are usually called the Windward Islands. A smaller
and more scattered group, ranging along the coast of Venezuela, belong-
ing also to this section, is contradistinguished as the Leeward Islands,
English writers, however, generally apply the latter name to the more
northerly part of the first group, extending from Dominica northward to
the Virgin Islands, restricting the appellation of Windward Islands to
those between Dominica and the island of Trinidad.
Mountains of considerable elevation diversify most of these islands,
causing them to resemble the elevated remains of a portion of the conti-
nent which some convulsion of nature has overwhelmed. Generally
speaking, their interior is composed of a range or group sometimes of
little more than a single mountain, the slopes of which and the plain at
the base constitute the island. The most elevated peaks of the Greater
Antilles exceed 8,000 feet above the sea-level, while the higher summits
in the Caribbean Islands range in elevation from 3,000 to 4,000 feet.
Most of these eminences have evidently been the seat of volcanic action,
but, with the exception of the Souffriere of Guadaloupe, which still ex-
hibits some perturbations, action seems to have ceased in all, or at least
is now dormant if not altogether expended. Numerous streams descend
from these heights which, though they do not attain to the magnitude of
rivers, yet serve to irrigate the fine plains and valleys which they trav-
erse, and form one main cause of the fertility by which distinguished.
Geology, etc. — The Bahama Islands, as far as known, are composed of
limestone rock, which in many places display magnificent caves. In Cuba
the lower regions are composed of secondary formations, through which
the rocks of the primary era rise in masses of greater or lesser extent.
The Copper Mountains seem to be chiefly formed of mica slate, but in
the hills toward the west, pure limestone and argillaceous sandstone are
the predominating developments. The Blue Mountain range of Jamaica
is composed of transition rocks, as graywacke, associated with trap rocks.
Resting on these, at a lower and lower level, are red sandstone and con-
glomerate, white marl and limestone, in some places intermingled with
traps and porphyries. The flat count. y on the south coast of the island
is alluvial and diluvial. An extinct volcano exists at Black Hill.
The Caribbean Islands, geognostically considered, form two groups :
an eastern or exterior, of Neptunian formation, and a western or interior,
of volcanic formation. The volcanic islands appear to stand in immedi-
ate connection with the primitive ranges of Caracas. This range of
volcanic islands extends onward in a curved direction, and terminates in
a new primitive chain at that point where the range has again assumed
THE WEST INDIES. 9
the same direction as the Silla of Caracas. The Blue Mountains of
Jamaica, the granite mountains in the southern part of Hayti and in
Porto Rico, run parallel with the Silla, and they, as appears on inspect-
ing the map, are equally a continuation of the volcanic series of the
smaller Antilles, as these are of the Silla. None of these volcanoes are
very lofty, the highest scarcely attaining an elevation of 6,000 feet above
the level of the sea. The volcanic islands are Grenada, St, Vincent, St,
Lucia, Martinique, Dominica, Montserrat, Nevis, St, Christopher, and
St. Eustatia. The Neptunian islands, which are low and principally
composed of limestone, are Tobago, Barbadoes, Marie-Galante, Grande-
Terre, Deseada, Antigua, Barbuda, St, Bartholomew, and St, Martin's.
The only island of this group of which a detailed account has been pub-
lished is Antigua, It contains besides the characteristic Neptunian
rocks, also formations of volcanic origin, and hence may be considered
as the connecting link between the Neptunian and volcanic islands
respectively. The whole north-eastern part of the island is composed
of a yellowish-white earthy, nearly friable, limestone, which in its upper
strata contains helices and bulimas, but in the lower great abundance of
cerithise, principally inclosed in a silicious bed of a dark color, which is
subordinate to the limestone. It appears to belong to the tertiary era,
and forms hills from 300 to 400 feet in height. The island is crossed
from north-west to south-east by a conglomerate which, in a clayey
basis, contains many crystals of felspar, abundance of green earth, prob-
ably disintegrated augite, and masses of basalt, also of amygdaloidal
dolerite or greenstone, lava, hornstone, with impressions of corals and
numerous pieces of petrified wood, principally palms and other tropical
trees. Trees of the same kind also occur in the silicious beds in the
limestone. The rocks of this conglomerate are generally steep toward
the south-west, and gently inclined toward the north-east. The lime-
stone evidently rests on this conglomerate. To this follows in the south-
western part of the island a doleritic basalt, which forms the greatest
heights. The separation of these rocks is accurately in the direction of
the volcanic islands, that is, from north-west to south-east. Hence the
island of Barbuda, which is farther rernoved from the volcanic range,
lies entirely in the limestone region. The shells in the limestone differ
but little from those of the surrounding sea ; but the limestone expands
over the whole island, which, although it is 18 miles long and 13^ miles
wide, is nowhere higher than 110 feet above the level. A basaltic cover*
separates this limestone from the volcanoes ; and probably these latter,
before reaching the surface, have previously forced their way through
10 THE WEST INDIES.
the basalt. It occurs again in Tobago. Barbadoes, in its general com-
position, is very much allied to Antigua, and the same would appear to
be the case with St. Bartholomew and St. Martin's. In Deseada, Marie-
Galante, and Grande-Terre, limestone only appears. This limestone
extends to the north and east sides of Martinique.
Trinidad has once formed a portion of the adjoining continent. The
great northern range of mountains that runs from east to west, and is
connected with the high land of Pa,ria on the continent by the islands of
the Bocas, consists of gneiss, of mica slate containing large masses of
quartz, and in many places approaches in nature of talc slate, and of
bluish limestone traversed by veins of calc spar. From the foot of the
mountains, for many leagues to the northward, there extends a low and
perfectly flat land, evidently formed by the debris of the mountains and
by the copious tribute of the waters of the Orinoco deposited by the influ-
ence of the currents. The famous asphaltum or pitch lake, situated
amid a clayey soil, is about three miles in circumference, and in the wet
season is sufficiently solid to bear any weight, but in hot weather is often
in a state approaching fluidity. The asphaltum appears to be supplied
by springs. At the south-west extremity of the island, between Point
Icacos and Rio Erin, are small cones resembling those of the volcanoes
of air and mud at Turbaco, in New Grenada, which are of the same
nature with those of Macalulia and the Lake Naftia in Sicily.
Climate, etc. — The West Indies, except the more northerly of the Bahama
Islands, lie within the tropics, and are consequently subject to great
heats ; yet even in the warm season the influence of the surrounding
ocean, the periodically recurring sea-breezes, and the height of land in
the interior of the islands tend, to modify the climatic intensity peculiar
to their geographical position. In the interior of the large islands, in
which elevation is most marked, a mild and delightful temperature is
enjoyed throughout the year, and several of the smaller islands possess
the same advantages. The lowlands, however, in all these islands are
exceedingly unhealthy, and endemic influences render them peculiarly
hostile to the European constitution. At the elevation of 1,200 feet the
aspect of the climate is different, nor is it liable to the propagation and
prevalence of those fevers and fluxes which prove so destructive to life
in the^ow and swampy flats below. In the more northerly of the islands
even ice is sometimes formed, but snow has never been known to fall.
'The year, as in most tropical countries, may be divided into two seasons •
— the wet and the dry, though there is sufficient to mark the four sea-
sons of more temperate climates. The spring may be said to commence
THE WEST INDIES. 11
in April, when the fields put forth their verdant appearance. From May
to October the tropical summer reigns in all its intensity. The sea-
breeze, however, which sets in at noon, greatly moderates the tempera-
ture. The mean height of the thermometer at this season is 80° Fahr.
The nights are beautiful, and are tempered by the land-breeze, which
blows gently off the shore from about 10 o'clock until daybreak. With
October commence the autumnal rains, when the waters pour down in
torrents. These continue until December, between which and April
serene and pleasant weafher prevails. The trade winds blow from an
easterly direction from December to June. August is the season of hur-
ricanes, which frequently devastate whole islands. These rarely, how-
ever, occur in Cuba, and are almost unknown in Trinidad.
Botany, etc. — The splendor and rich variety of the vegetation of the West
Indies is the theme of every traveler, and give to the islands an import-
ant position in an industrial point of view. To their valuable native
plants, art and industry have added others not less valuable. So fine
are the climate and soil, that tropical plants from all parts of the world
are readily cultivated. All the beauties which nature has lavished on
the equinoctial world are here displayed in their fairest and most majes-
tic forms. On every side innumerable palms of various genera, the
cocoa-nut, date, cabbage palm, etc., whose leaves curl like plumes, shoot
up majestically their bare and even columns ; and high above the rocky
summit of the hills the tree ferns appear, while convolvuli and other
creepers have climbed their high stems and suspended their painted gar-
lands. Scarcely can the beholder of such scenery define what most
excites his admiration, the individual beauty or the contrast of forms,
" or that eternal spring
Which here enamels everything,"
and calls forth a luxuriance of vegetable life. The ground is overloaded
with plants which have scarcely room for their development. The trunks
of the older trees are everywhere covered with a thick drapery of ferns,
mosses, and orchid plants, which diffuse into the air the richest odors,
and almost conceal from sight the noble stems that uphold them. Vari-
ous plants .of humble growth, and which love humidity, display their
beautiful verdure on the edges of the streams, and are sheltered by the
wide-spreading arms of the mango, the mahogany tree, the teak, mimo-
sas, and other woods remarkable for their stateliness, and clothed in
the wild and magnificent pomp so characteristic of the tropics. Here
and there, as if for contrast, huge masses of trap, blackened by the
action of the. atmosphere and decayed tremellae, present themselves —
12 THE WEST INDIES.
those blocks which in colder climates would be doomed to eternal bar-
renness, or at most would only nourish the pale and sickly lichen, here
give support to creeping plants of every form, which cover with yellow,
green, and crimson the sides of the sable rock. In their crevices the
succulent species are daily renewed and prepare a soil for larger ten-
ants ; from their summits the "old man's beard" and similar plants,
which seem to draw their nourishment from the air, hang pendent, float-
ing like tattered drapery at the pleasure of the winds. And here rises
the wild fig-tree, one of the gigantic productions of the torrid zone. The
huge limbs of this tree, covered with perpetual verdure, throw down
often from a height of 80 or 90 feet a colony of suckers of every possible
size, from that of pack-thread to the vast cable of a ship, withoift any
visible increase in their diameter and without a joint. These, reaching
the ground, become other trees, but still remain united — a happy symbol
of the strength which proceeds of union. At other times the suckers,
blown about by the winds, are entangled about some neighboring trunk
or rock, which they surround with a network of the firmest texture, as
if the hand of man had been employed. Here may also be seen the
precious nutmeg, exposing in the centre of its bursting drupe the seed
surrounded by the crimson mace; the cassia, w^ith its pendent pods;
the magnificent lagerstroemia, displaying one extended sheet of lovely
blossoms : the cannon-ball tree, with its sweet and painted flowers, scat-
tering its fetid fruit so much resembling the fatal shell that it might be
supposed that a company of artillery had bivouacked in its shade; the
calabash, with its large, green pericarp ; the screw pine, with its fruit
carved in rude and curious workmanship, with numerous others in infi-
nite variety. Various fruits transplanted from the islands of Asia and
other distant lands or the Antilles are mingled together, and attract by
their gaudy flowers the humming-bird to their covert. The bread-fruit
of the Friendly Islands, and the jack of India, bearing ponderous fruit of
60 or 70 pounds in weight, are here ; and here, too, is the vanilla, with its
long suckers ; the black pepper of Asia ; the passiflora and the solandra,
mingling their blossoms, while the agave throws up its princely column
of fructification from a host of spears. Innumerable cacti and euphor-
bioB, covered with fruit and flowers, give variety to the scene. At every
step plants remarkable for their beauty or fragrance ornament the path.
By the side of the rivulets rise large clusters of the bamboo. Nothing
can exceed the beauty of this arborescent grass, which rises to the height
of 60 or 80 feet, waving its light and graceful foliage at every breath of
the wind. The sago and several kindred plants, so valuable for their
THE WEST INDIES. 13
nutritious fecula, are scattered about. The arrow-root, the papaw, the
cashew, the banana, the plantain, and a thousand other rare, valuable,
or ornamental trees, shrubs, and plants, with a great variety of medicinal
roots and herbs — such betoken the wealth of vegetation in these islands.
Zoology, etc. — The zoological productions of the West Indies have been
but little attended to. Botanists of nearly every nation have visited and
explored the principal islands that the conservatories of the great might
be decked with blooming exotics ; but as regards zoology, a full century
has elapsed without any addition being made to the antiquated history
of Sir Hans Sloane on the animal productions of these islands. Of the
native quadrupeds, many have no doubt been exterminated by civiliza-
tion; and although we have no good data to base the surmise upon, it
may be supposed that cavies, armadilloes, and other smaller quadrupeds,
still exist in the woody and less cultivated districts of the interior. The
agouti, although once common, is now only met with in the less culti-
vated islands. Some wild boars are still found ; otherwise the quadru-
peds are represented only by monkeys and the vermin species. The bird
tribes belong to the same families and in numerous instances to the same
species as those of the neighboring parts of the continent, and, indeed,
most of the North American summer birds pass their winters in these
regions. The mocking-bird of the United States visits Cuba and Ja-
maica, and the Brazilian motmot inhabits as far north as the Bahama
Islands. Trinidad, however, appears to be the chief island for birds ',
the ruby-topaz, the ruff-necked and the emerald-crested humming-birds
are particvrlarly splendid ; the crimson-throated maize-bird, the Mexi-
can hang-nest, and the red-headed tanagar are also found in this island.
Turkey-vultures of large size and entirely black are not uncommon.
Wading and swimming birds have the same general character as those
of the adjacent mainland. Pelicans, herons, flamingoes, and other well-
known birds haunt the salt marshes, while the jacana and Martinico
gallinule are common in fresh-water swamps. Serpents and reptiles of
infinite variety are exceedingly prolific. The guana lizard, sometimes
five feet long, and the green turtle, so prized by epicures, both form
articles of food, and by some the lizard is thought to be as great a deli-
cacy as the turtle. The marine fionehiferous animals are few, and when
compared with those of the Indian Archipelago sink into insignificance.
The largest are the horned helmet and the strombus gigas, the shells of
which are much esteemed for mantel-piece ornaments. Those inhabit-
ing the land, on the contrary, are much more numerous than in Asia.
Jamaica, in particula^r, produces a great variety. It is a general remark
14 ■ THE WEST INDIES.
that insects are much less numerous on islands than upon continents,
and the West Indies fully confirms this fact, The islands, however, are
by no means destitute of these interesting animals. The mosquito, bugs
of various kinds, cockroaches, centipedes, ants, chigoes, etc., are as
abundant as the convenience and comfort of the inhabitants could well
require. The chigo is a dangerous animal, and frequently, by burrow-
ing under the skin, produces inflammation, and frequently mortification.
Aborigines, Present Inhabitants, etc. — The original inhabitants of
these islands have long been extinct, except a small remnant which still
exists on the islands of St. Vincent and Trinidad. When discovered, a
dense population covered these prolific regions, but the barbarities of the
Europeans in a short space of time destroyed these unhappy people, Sup-
plying their places with the no less unhappy African. Cuba and the
other large islands were found in possession of the Arrowauks, a peace-
ful and timid race that soon submitted to the invader. The inhabitants
of the Lesser Antilles, on the contrary, were the warlike and vigorous
Caribs, who resisted the sway of the Europeans to the last. The pres-
ent population is composed of Europeans and their descendants, the
Creoles ; of the African races, and of mixed races sprung from an indef-
inite amalgamation of all races. These last are of every variety of color
and complexion, and are variously classed as mulattoes, quadroons, etc.,
according to the preponderance of caste. There is still another class,
lately introduced into the British islands under' the name of coolies^ who
originate in the mountains of Asia, and are imported as free laborers,
J under stringent regulations. These are introduced to supply the places
of the recently emancipated slave population, which, it is said, has be-
come totally debased, and a burden upon the colonists, their former
^masters. The black races, however, form the most numerous class in
all the islands, and on an average about three-fourths of the whole pop-
ulation. This class is now free in all the British islands, slavery having
been abolished some twenty years ago ; it has also been abolished or
greatly modified in the Dutch and French islands ; but in Cuba and Porto
Rico the slaves yet form about two-thirds of the negro population. In St.
Domingo the condition of the races is anomalous, and though the people
are nominally free and independent, the most arbitrary and extravagant
exactions and impositions render their condition far more deplorable than
it could have been under the worst forms of slavery ; ruin and barbarism
are engulfing the prosperity and energies of all classes, and already it
has become a prey to military despotism.
Era of Prosperity. — An uncommon measure of prosperity and wealth
THE WEST INDIES. 15
was for a long period enjoyed by these islands. During the last century .
they supplied almost exclusively sugar, coffee, and other articles, the
use of which had become general over the civilized world. After the
French revolution and that of San Domingo, the islands belonging to
Great Britain became ajmost the sole quarter whence Europe was fur-
nished with West India produce. Since the peace of Europe many things
have tended to reverse the prosperity of the "West India Islands, and not
least among these is the depression which usually follows over-produc-
tion, and the competition which has sprung up in both North and South
America and other parts of the globe. In the British islands the change |
of social relations and the policy pursued by the mother country have I
no doubt been powerful agencies in depression. England had for a long '
period stimulated production by bounties and protection, and ijnder this
system the islands had attained an enviable prosperity. The withdrawal
of this protection was necessarily their death-blow, but the sacrifice was
necessary to the general welfare of the empire, and its continuance
would have been fraught with much commercial disaster. The pros-
perity of the West Indies must now depend on the energies of the peoplel
themselves and their ability to compete with other producing countries,
and especially with those employing slave-labor.
Industrial Pursuits, etc. — The industry of the West Indies is confined
to agriculture and commerce. Manufactures, from the peculiar state of
( society in these islands scarcely exist, even in the humblest form for
domestic use. Hence commerce is carried on to a much greater extent
than in any other country of the same wealth and population. Almost
every product of West Indian labor is destined for foreign markets, or
those of the mother country, from which in return those islands receive
all their clothing and a great portion of their daily food, besides all their
machinery and even the ordinary manufactures required for household
purposes. The staples of production are coffee, sugar, molasses, rum,
spices, etc. Besides the commerce carried on with Europe, an extensive
connection is maintained with the United States and British America.
Political Arrangement.— The several islands are either independent or
colonies of European nations, and are politically distributed as follows :
Independent. — San Domingo, occupied by the Empire of Hayti and the
Republic of Dominica.
Spanish Colonies. — Cuba, Porto Rico, etc.
British Colonies. — Jamaica, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Barbuda,
St. Christopher's, Antigua, Monserrat, Dominica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent,.
Barbadoes, Grenada, Tobago, Trinidad, etc.
16 THE WEST INDIES — SANTO DOMINGO.
French Colonies. — Guadaloupe and Martinique, with dependencies.
Dutch Colonies.— Cur&coa. and dependencies.
Danish Colonies. — Santa Cruz, St. John's, and St. Thomas.
Swedish Colony. — St. Bartholomew's.
These states and colonies are further and severally considered.
SANTO DOMINGO.
Santo Domingo or Hayti is one of the richest and most beautiful of the
West India Islands, and after Cuba the largest. It is situate between
latitudes 17° 36^ and 19° 59^ north, and longitudes 68° 20^ and 74° 28^
west from Greenwich ; and in i,ts greatest extent is a*bout 396 miles long,
and in its broadest part 163 miles wide. Area, including the islands
Tortuga, Gonaive, etc., 27,690 square miles.
General Description. — The island is very irregular in outline^ being
deeply indented by bays and inlets, and having corresponding projec-
tions. The most conspicuous of these are — the Bay of Gonaive, in the
west, formed between two extensive peninsulas, and that of Samana, in
the east, between the peninsula of the same name and the main island.
The main is intersected east and west by three mountain chains, all
mutually connected by offsets ; a,nd between these are extensive valleys,
plains, and savannahs. The principal central chain, which contains the
culminating peaks — of which Cibao, 7,200 feet high, is the loftiest —
commences at Cape San Nicolas, in the north-west, takes an east-south-
east direction, and terminates at Cape Engario, the eastern extremity of
. the island. Nearly parallel with this chain another, commencing near
Monte Christi, nearly skirts the north coast till it terminates abruptly
on approaching the so-called peninsula of Samana; and is succeeded by
low, marshy grounds, interlaced by estuaries and channels, which sep-
erate Samana from the main. The heights, however, reappear on the
opposite side of the low grounds and terminate in Cape Samana. The
third or south mountain range commences at Cape Tiburon, the south-
west end of the island, extends eastward along the southern peninsula,
and terminates at the river Neiva, about 80 miles west of the city of Santo
Domingo. The most extensive plains are — those of La Vega Real,
between the north and central ranges, and watered by the Yacki and
Yuma • the llanos or flats, east of the Neiva and south of the mountains
to the coast ; and the plains of Artibonite in the west.
All the streams of any importance originate in the central mountains,
and, as may be inferred from the general direction of these, have either
THE WEST INDIES — SANTO DOMINGO. 17
an east or west or south course — no stream of consequence flowing north.
The principal are — the Artibonite, flowing west, and the Monte Christi
or North Yacki, north-west ; the Yuma, flowing south-east, and the
Neiva or South Yacki, the Nisao, and the Ozama, flowing south. They
are all encumbered at their mouths with sand-bars, and hence few of
them are navigable even for short distances. The Ozama, however,
admits vessels drawing 12 feet of water. In the sonth-west there are
several considerable lakes, viz., the salt lakes of Enriquillo and Azuey
— the former, in the valley of the Neiva, about 20 miles long by 8 miles
broad, and the latter about 10 by 6 miles ; and south of these the fresh-
water lake of Icotea or Limon, about the size of Lake Azuey.
Little is known of the geological structure of the island, but a lime-
stone containing vestiges of marine shells is the prevailing formation.
Mineral springs exist in several parts — the most noted in the eastern
part of the island are those of Banica, Biahama, Yaya, and Pargatal ;
and in the west the chalybeate of St. Rose, the saline of Jean Rabel, and
the alkaline sulphur waters of Dalmarie. The mineral products are
various and rich, and include gold, platina, silver, quicksilver, copper,
iron, tin, sulphur, manganese, antimony, rock-salt, bitumen, jasper, mar-
ble, opal, lazulite, chalcedony, etc. The gold mines of the Cibao
Mountains, which in the sixteenth century were very productive, have
been abandoned, and at the present day gold is obtained only from the
washings in the northern rivers. None of the mines, indeed, are suc-
cessfully worked, and hence these sources of wealth are reserved for the
industry of future generations.
Santo Domingo, as a whole, is one of the healthiest of the West India
Islands, and this may more especially be said of its northern coast-region
and the more elevated localities of the interior. The Vega Real is famed
for its salubrity. Hurricanes occur seldomer than in the Caribbean
Islands; nor are earthquakes frequent, although on several occasions
they have done extensive damage. The most notable on record are
those which occurred in 1564, 1684, 1691, 1751, 1770, and 1842; by
that of 1751 Port-au-Prince was destroyed, and about 60 miles of coast
submerged, and by that of 1842 towns were overwhelmed and thousands
of lives lost. Nowhere is tropical vegetation seen to greater advantage.
Majestic pines, mahogany trees, fustic, satin-wood, and lignum-vitse
clothe the mountains, and furnish the principal exports of the southern
provinces. The roble or oak, the wax-palm, divi-divi, numerous fine
cabinet woods, and the richest flowering plants abound; and the usual
tropical vegetables — plantains, bananas, yams, batatas; and fruits —
18 THE WEST INDIES — SANTO DOMINGO.
oranges, pine- apples, cherimoyas, sapodillas, with melons and grapes
yield a plentiful return. The staple cultivated products are — coffee,
sugar, indigo, cotton, tobacco, and cocoa. The western section of the
island has always been the best cultivated. The native quadrupeds are
small — the largest not bigger than a rabbit • but the animals introduced
from Europe, and now in a wild state, have thriven prodigiously — large
ULimbers of cattle", pigs, and dogs now roaming freely in the savannahs
and in the mountain forests. Birds are neither numerous in specie nor
remarkable in appearance ; still great numbers of pigeons are annually
taken and consumed as food, and ducks in large quantities and other
swimmers and waders frequent the marshy places. The lakes and rivers
contain caymans and alligators, and in the neighboring seas whales
are common in the spring season ; and green and hawksbill turtles, lob-
sters, and crabs abound on the coasts.
Historical Sketch. — This island was discovered by Columbus in 1492,
and here, at Isabella, on the north shore of the island, the discoverer
founded the first Spanish colony in the New World. The colonists having
at an early period exterminated the aboriginal tribes, now initiated the
introduction of African slaves. After the conquest of Peru, many of
the settlers emigrated to South America, and the remainder, fearing the
escape of their slaves, withdrew to the interior. In 1630 the French,
who had been driven from St. Christopher's, settled in the western part
of the island, which the Spaniards had deserted, and there finding
abunda'Tce of cattle and hogs, drove a thriving trade in skins and smoked
flesh. Ultimately the island of Tortuga and part of the mainland were
claimed by the French settlers for their king, and by treaty with Spain,
1777, the west part of the island was guaranteed to France. From this
period to 1789 the new colony rapidly expanded, and in the latter year
was in its most flourishing state. In the meanwhile the Spanish colony,
now confined to the eastern portion, rapidly declined. In 1790 the pop-
ulation of French Hayti was estimated at 540,000, and consisted of three
classes — Europeans : negroes, nearly all slaves ] and people of color, the
offspring of the two former races. Many of the latter were free-born, or
had obtained their liberty, and likewise had enjoyed a liberal education,
but nevertheless were excluded from political privileges. On the out-
break of the French revolution a contest ensued between the colored
people and the whites — the former claiming political equality. A petty,
but sanguinary war ensued, until the slave population, also rising, join-
ed the colored people and completely subdued the whites. The whole
island, including the Spanish portion, which had been ceded to the
THE WEST INDIES — SANTO DOMINGO. ^^
French in 1794, ultimately fell under the power of the negro chief,
Toussaint L'Ouverture, the first president of the Haytian Republic.
He was afterward betrayed into the hands of the French, who had dis-
patched an army to Hayti, with a view of regaining the position they
had lost in the island; but after some partial successes they were
permanently expelled, and in 1801 the colony was declared independ-
ent, and its Spanish name of Santo Domingo replaced by its indig-
enous one of Hayti, meaning the mountainous country. In 1808 the
eastern portion was restored to Spain, through the instrumentality of
England. Contentions for power succeeded among the various leaders
of the young republic, the darkest atrocities were committed and much
blood shed — limited, however, chiefly to the French portion of the island.
In 1821 the Spanish portion declared itself independent, and assumed
the name of Spanish Hayti ; but it was soon subjected by Boyer, the
president of French Hayti, and the whole island was again brought under
one government. In 1842 a revolution broke out and Boyer was com-
pelled to flee; and in 1844 the inhabitants of the Spanish portion rose,
overpowered the Haytians, and formed themselves into a republic under
the name of Santo Domingo.
THE EMPIRE OF HAYTI.
Hayti occupies the west end of the island already described, and corre-
sponds in territory with the portion formerly belonging to the French,
including the islands of Tortuga, Gonaive, etc. The east boundary,
toward the Dominican Republic, is formed by an irregular line drawn
north and south from the river Anses-a-Pitre or Pedernales, on the south
coast, about long. 71° 50^ west, to the mouth of the river Massacre,
which flows into the Bay of Manzanilla, about 10 miles south-west from
Cape Haytien. The area is about 10,081 square miles.
The country, as signified in its name, and as seen by the preceding
account of the island, is mountainous, interspersed with rich, fertile
plains and valleys, is well watered, and yields spontaneously many val-
uable products, and among these may be especially mentioned fine tim-
ber of various kinds, dye-woods, and drugs. Agriculture, however, on
which it must greatly depend for prosperity, is conducted indifferently,
and prosecuted without vigor. The cultivated staples are coffee, sugar,
tobacco, etc., and in a minor degree cocoa, indigo, cotton, etc. No man-
ufactures beyond the handicrafts immediately required in every popula-
tion are engaged in ; and even in the products of agriculture the amounts
annually brought to market have vastly diminished since the expulsion
20 THE WEST INDIES — SANTO DOMINGO.
of the French — the exportation of sugar having entirely ceased, and that
of coffee has become comparatively limited. The exports of the princi-
pal products of the colony the last year of French dominion v^-ere — clayed
sugars, 47,516,531 pounds, and muscovado sugar, 93,573,300 pounds;
coffee, 76,835,219 pounds, and cotton, 7,004,274 pounds. In 1851 the
amount of coffee exported was only 43,000,000 pounds, and of cotton
1,200,000 pounds. The remaining exports w^ere made up of logwood,
mahogany, tobacco, cigars, ginger, beeswax, etc., and with these the
value of exported articles amounted to not more than five million dollars.
The imports comprise British manufactures of all kinds ] French wines,
liquors, silks, etc. ; German linen fabrics, woolens, bagging, wines, and
mineral waters, and American lumber, staves, naval-stores, provisions,
etc., in all valued at less than three million dollars.
The Empire is divided into six departments, subdivided into arrondis-
sements and communes : and the population, chiefly negroes, is estimated
at 572,000. By the constitution of 1843 the sovereign power was rec-
ognized to be in the people ; the executive was placed in the hands of a
president ; the legislative in a chamber of commons and a senate — the
former consisting of one or more representatives from each commune
elected for three years, and the latter of six for each department elected
for four years, and termed collectively the national assembly ; and the
judicial power was placed in a high court of cassation, being the highest
tribunal of appeals, with various subsidiary and initiatory courts. The
laws are based on the code civil of France. The whole patronage, civil
and military, being in the hands of the president, Soulouque the then
incumbent dispensed it in such a manner as to enable him in 1849 to
have his title of president changed into that of emperor, and to have the
constitution altered to suit the circumstances; and shortly after he sur-
rounded himself by a court o^ princes of the blood, dukes, counts, barons,
and two orders of knighthood — that of St. Faustin and a legion of honor.
The emperor himself took the style of Faustin I. The force of the Hay-
tian army is stated at 28,000 or 30,000 men, but of these about one-half
only are considered effective. The people profess the Roman Catholic
religion, but others are tolerated. Church affairs are superintended by
a vicar- general. In every parish a school on the Lancasterian system is
maintained, or at least should be. In 1854 there were in the state 62
such schools and 4 colleges, and in these about 9,000 or 10,000 pupils.
The principal towns in the Empire are Port-au-Prince, Cape Haytien,
Gonaives, Jacmel, Cayes, etc. Port-au-Prince (or Port Republicain) is
the capital and principal sea-port. It is situate at the head of the Bay
THE WEST INDIES — SANTO DOMINGO. 21
of Gonaives, and in lat. 18° 35^ north, and long. 72° 18^ west. Popula-
tion 10.000. The principal edifices are — the palace, which has some
architectural excellence, and the churches, arsenal, mint, lyceum, mili-
tary hospital, etc. The vicinity is marshy and climate unhealthy.
Most of the foreign trade centres here. Gonaives^ 65 miles north-north-
west of Port-au-Prince, and on the north-east extremity of the bay of the
same name, has an excellent harbor, but is not much frequented. Pop-
ulation 4,000. Cape Haytien is the principal port on the north side of
the island, and was on several occasions the capital. Population from
8,000 to 9,000. St. Nicolas is situate at the extremity of a deep bay,
formed by the cape of the same name and the mainland. The principal
ports in the south lie on the south shore of the south-western peninsula.
Of these, Jacmel, 28 miles south-west from Port-au-Prince, is the best,
and has 6,000 inhabitants ; and then in line are found Bainet, St. Louis,
Cayes, and Tiburon, the last situate at the extreme south-west point of
the island. The ports of Goave, Jeremie, and Bon are located on the
north side of the peninsula, facing on the Bay of Gonaives.
Recent History. — At the commencement of 1800 the blacks of Hayti
found themselves powerful enough to contend for the possession of the
whole island; and on the 1st July, 1801, its independence was declared.
Previous to this, in 1794, the Spanish portion in the east had been ceded
to France, and hence in this declaration the independence of the whole
was assumed. Subsequently the French government attempted to re-
possess itself of the colony, and for this purpose an expedition of 20,000
men under Le Clerc was dispatched, and landed at Samana. In Feb.,
1802, the campaign was begun, and fought with various success until 1st
May, when a truce was concluded. During the continuance of this.
Toussaint, the Haytian chief, was surprised and conveyed to France,
and there died in April, 1803. Hostilities were immediately renewed.
The command of the black troops devolved on Dessalines, who prose-
cuted the war with vigor and success. The yellow fever also aided the
cause of the negroes, Le Clerc dying, was succeeded by Rochambeau.
An armistice was again concluded by the latter, during which the blacks
received large reinforcements, while the French were blocked up by
English ships. At the expiration of the armistice the French, now re-
duced to a handful, were driven into the Cape, where, on the 30th Nov.,
1803, they were forced to capitulate to the English squadron. On the
1st Jan., 1804, the Haytians formally reasserted their independence, and
Dessalines, who had conducted the war to its close, was appointed gov-
ernor for life. Afterward he assumed the title of Jaques I., emperor of
•22 THE WEST INDIES — SANTO DOMINGO.
Hayti; but his reign was troublous and brief, and terminated in a mili-
tary conspiracy in October, 1806. Hayti was now divided among several
chieftains, the principal of which were Christophe, in the north-west,
and Petion, in the south-west. In 1807 Christophe was appointed chief
magistrate for life, and in 1811 changed the title to that of king, calling
himself Henry I., and the office was made hereditary in his family.
Petion continued to act as president of the south-west until May, 1818,
when he died, universally lamented. Christophe, on the other hand,
was killed in a revolt in October, 1820; and having ruled as a despot,
his memory was as universally execrated. All the governments of the
west were now reunited under Boyer, the successor of Petion. From
1808 the eastern portion of the island had been repossessed by Spain,
and maintained under that government. On the 30th November, 1821,
however, the inhabitants revolted and declared their independence.
Soon after its territory was added to the western government. This
union lasted until the downfall of Boyer, when it was dissolved, and the
Dominican Republic proclaimed.
THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC.
Santo Domingo or the Dominican Republic claims for its territory the
same extent as held by the Spaniards under the treaty of 1777, and hence
all east of the line of the Pedernales and Massacre rivers. The extent
of this portion of the island is at least three-fifths of the whole.
Civil Divisions, etc. — The Republic is divided into five provinces —
Provinces. Area, Bq. m. PopTilation. Pop. to sq. m. Capitals. Popula.
Santo Domingo 3.826 35.000 9.15 Santo Domingo 10.000
Azua-de-Compostela 4,818 15,200 3.52 Azua 1 600
Santa-Cruz-del-Seybo 3,709 20,000 5.89 Seybo 2,300
Santias;o-de-]os-Caballeros. . 3,1T2 38,500 10.58 Santiago 7,000
Concep9ion-de-la- Vega 2,584 33,000 12.77 La Vega 3,600
Total 17,609 136,500 7.75
— of the population at least nine-tenths are of African origin, or of African
and European intermixed. The remainder are Spaniards and Creoles.
Industry. — The Dominicans are almost entirely an agricultural people.
The staples of the south provinces consist chiefly of the products of the
forests. In Seybo, however, the raising of cattle is the main occupation.
But by far the most industrious part is the north, generally called the
Cibao, where the staple article is an excellent quality of tobacco, of
which, according to the season, 50,000 to 80,000 seroons are produced.
The articles of export are mahogany, satin-wood, fustic, lignum-vitse,
and brazil-wood, tobacco, hides, etc. The imports are chiefly flour and
provisions from the United States, and general merchandise from Europe.
THE WEST INDIES — SANTO DOMINaO.
28
The following table exhibits the statistics of this trade for the year 1852
and the three years next previous :
^-Entrances.— V Value of ,— Clearances.— , Value of , Total Commerce. ,
Ports. Vess. Tons. Imports. Vess. Tons. Exports. Vesa. Tons. Value.
Santo Dominao (S.). 162 19,375 $636,178 .. 140 18,468 $677,073 .. 802 37.843 $1,313,251
Porto Plata (N.) ... 162 10,680 527,189.. 158 11,446 878,856.. 320 22,126 1,406,045
Totall852 324 30,055 $1,163.367.. 298 29.914 $1,555,929.. 622 59,969 $2,719,296
" 1851 279 24,449 1,141,891. . 261 21,776 1,184,914.. 540 46,225 2,326,805
« 1850 272 22,403 731.875.. 268 23,290 1,008,173.. 540 45.693 1,737,048
" 1849 248 20,082 256,282.. 216 16,139 611,875.. 464 36,221 868,157
— showing a total increase in four years equal to 213 per cent.
Government, ETC.^The constitution of the Republic is based on that of
Venezuela. The Congress, which assembles annually, consists of 15
deputies, three from each province, who form the Tribunado or lower
chamber, and five senators, one from each province, constituting the
Consejo Conservador or upper chamber. The executive power is vested
in a prqgident, who is elected for four years, and who must be a Domin-
ican by birth and at least 35 years of age. The judiciary is exercised
by a supreme court and various inferior and local courts ; and the French
code has been adopted in legal proceedings. In 1852 the revenue
amounted to $374,516; and the ordinary expenditures amount annually
to about $250,000. No foreign debt is owing: but there exists a large
home debt on which the currency is based, and hence is of low and fluc-
tuating value. The army amounts to 12,000 men, and may be raised
to 16,000. The navy consists of three corvettes and five schooners
equipped as war vessels, and mounted with 44 guns. The prevailing
religion is the Roman Catholic, but the exercise of all other rites is tol-
erated. The archbishop still bears the title of Primate of the Indies,
although it has not a single suffragan. Public . instruction is neglected,
even in its primary elements, and, except in the towns, the people have
no means of education. In the capital there is a college.
Cities, Towns, etc. — Santo Doiningo^ the capital and principal sea-port,
is situate on the south-west, at the mouth of the Ozama River, and is
surrounded by walls and bastions. Lat. 18° 28^ north, and long. 69° 50''
west. It was the first permanent settlement of the Spaniards in Amer-
ica. The harbor is secure, but unfit for large ships. The city has wide
and regular streets, and the houses, chiefly of stone, are of one story.
The most conspicuous public building is the cathedral, commenced in
1514, under Diego, son of Columbus, and in wiiich the ashes of the great
discoverer rested for upward of two centuries. There are also 1 4 churches
and chapels. The other principal edifices are — the national palace, the
palace of the congress, the cabildo or town-house, college, citadel, ar-
24 THE WEST INDIES — SANTO DOMINGO.
senal, hospitals, etc. The rums of the Jesuits' college, the palace of Don
Diego, and the convent of San Francisco are striking features of the city,
and fit mementoes of its-former magnificence. The first blow to the pros-
perity of Santo Domingo was struck in 1586 by Sir Francis Drake, who
took it by assault, pillaged, and nearly destroyed it. The earthquakes
of 1684 and 1691 ruined most of the buildings which Drake had spared.
And lastly the spoliations of the Haytians in 1822-24 deprived it of many
of its most interesting monuments. Porto Plata, on the north coast, 12
miles north-west of Santiago, is the second principal port of the republic,
and the outlet of the commerce of the northern provinces. There are
other ports on both sides of the island. The Bay of Samana forms one
of the finest harbors in the world, and may be regarded as a most im-
portant maritime position in reference to the trade of the Gulf of Mexico
and the inter-oceanic routes across Central America, both in a commer-
cial and military point of view._ Among the places in the interior the
following deserve to be mentioned, viz., Azua, where Hernandes Cortez
was a public notary; Concepcion-de-la-Vega, for the proximity of Fort
Concepcion, constructed by Columbus, and ^anto Cerro, where he erect-
ed a cross. Saniiago-de-los-Caballeros was founded by the dissolute
hidalgos in the company of Columbus ] it lies on the right bank of the
river Yacki, and is now" the second town of the Republic. Besides these
may be noticed — Higuey, Seybo, San Juan de Maguana, Neybo, Bani,
San Cristoval, Bayaguana, Monte Plata, Cotuy, and Boya, the last famed
as the place of refuge of Enriquillo, the last of the Haytian caziques.
Recent History. — The Spanish colonists threw off their allegiance to
Spain, and on the 30th Nov., 1821, declared themselves independent,
under the name of the Republic of Spanish Hayti. This measure was
not generally approved of; and the colored and black inhabitants pre-
ferring annexation to French Hayti, Boyer, then president of that por-
tion of the island, availing himself of this dissatisfaction, marched against
the city of Santo Domingo, and overthrowing the provisional government,
united the whole island under one government. The union, which had
never been cordial, lasted for 21 years. On the fall of Boyer, the Span-
iards again asserted their independence, and on the 27th Feb., 1844,
proclaimed the Dominican Republic. Herard Riviere, who succeeded
Boyer, marched with an army of 20,000 men upon Santo Domingo, but
was defeated by Gen. Pedro Santana, at Azua, who compelled the Hay-
tians to retreat within their own territory. The provincial junta of the
new republic now formed a constitution, and elected Santana president.
He was followed by Gen. Jimenes in 1848, Soulouque, then president
THE WEST INDIES — SPANISH ISLANDS. 25
of Hayti, attempted in 1849 to reconquer the territory with an army of
5,000 men, but was signally defeated at Las Carreras, on the river Ocoa,
21st April, 1849, by Santana, who had only 400 men under his com-
mand. For this victory Santana received the title of '' Libertador de la
Patria." Gen. Jimenes, the president, not being fitted for his task, and
the invading army having been driven out of the country, Santana was
called upon to restore order within the Republic, and to force the presi-
dent to resign. This effected, Santana directed the affairs of state until
a new election had taken place, by which, upon his recommendation,
Buenaventura Baez was named president. During his administration
treaties of recognition and commerce with Great Britain, France, and
Denmark were concluded. On the 3d July, 1853, Baez was banished,
and Santana himself raised to the presidency. It may here be stated that
Spain has not yet relinquished her claims upon her former colony.
SPANISH ISLANDS.
Spain, the discoverer of the New World, and the original mistress of one-
third of North, the whole of Central, and more than half of South
America, at the present day occupies only two islands in the Atlantic
Ocean — Cuba and Porto Rico, and their dependencies. The continental
portions of her ancient territories are either merged into the United
States or have become independent states; and the' many islands once
under its sovereignty are now either independent or colonies of other
European powers. Thus, instead of an empire, we describe a compar-
atively small colonial possession.
THE ISLAND OF CUBA.
Cuba, the largest of the West India Islands, is situate at the entrance of
the Gulf of Mexico, and about 130 miles south of Florida, 48 from Santo
Domingo, 95 from Jamaica, and 132 from Yucatan, in their nearest
points. It extends in a crescent form, bowing northward, from Cabo de
Maisi on the east to Cabo de San Antonio on the west, or between lon-
gitudes 740 7'' and 84° 57^ west, and between latitudes 19° 50^ and 23°
10^ north. ' Area, with its dependencies, 47,278 square miles.
General Description. — The island is intersected longitudinally by a
range of mountains, diminishing in height from east to west. At the
east end, where they are diffused over nearly the entire surface, they
attain their greatest elevation, about 8,000 feet. From the bases of these
highlands the country opens into extensive meadows or beautiful plains
26 THE WEST INDIES — SPANISH ISLANDS.
and savannahs, with occasionally some low, swampy tracts. Owing to
the nature of the surface and narrowness of the island there are no rivers
of magnitude. The largest, the Cauto, with its sources in the Sierra
del Cohre, falls into the Bay of Buena Esperanza, after a course alto-
gether of about 90 miles. None of the streams are navigable excepting
for a few miles inland and by small boats. The coasts are in general
exceedingly foul, presenting reefs and shallows which extend two or
three miles into the sea, and make approach difficult. Within these
reefs there is often a good sandy beach, but more frequently a belt of low-
land, subject to inundation, wet at all times, and in the rainy season
almost impassable. On all sides, however, there are good harbors, eli-
gible ports, and fine bays. Geologically the island may be described as
composed of granite, gneiss, sieiiite, and euphodite, overlain by secondary
and tertiary formations, chiefly calcareous, containing numerous fossils,
and through which the primitive rocks are often protruded. In some
localities the limestone is exceedingly porous and cavernous, absorbing
rapidly the tropical rains, and even engulfing considerable streams.
The latest calcareous formation is entirely coraliferous, and is constantly
accumulating on all the coasts. The mineral riches of Cuba have not yet
been fully explored, but it is known that it is not deficient in this respect.
The precious metals have been found,, but not in abundance. Copper,
however, is extensively deposited, especially in the Sierra del Cobre. In
.the mountains of Juragua there are alum and copperas mines, and coal has
been recently discovered near Habana. Serpentine, chalcedony, mag-
nesia, iron pyrites, quartz, and feldspar slates and schists have also been
found in various places. The schistose formation shows itself most con-
spicuously at the base of the mountains of San Juan and Trinidad, where
great masses of slate may be seen, of a dark blue color, and of a pyritous
and bituminous quality. Near Habana a thick slate is found, fit for
pavements. Mineral springs are numerous ; and on the north coast are
extensive lagoons, which in dry years produce immense quantities of
marine salt. The climate is hot and moist near the coasts, but in the
interior cool and healthy. Vegetation is exceedingly luxuriant," forests
of mahogany, ebony, cedar, fustic, and other useful woods, abound, and
the savannahs are covered with flowers and odoriferous plants. Maize
or Indian corn is the principal cereal cultivated, and of this two crops are
annually produced. In many districts rice is also a large crop. But the
principal products are sugar, coffee, and tobacco ; also a little cotton, cocoa,
and indigo. The principal fruits are the pine or ananas, oranges, shad-
docks, plantains, bananas, melons, lemons, and sweet limes. The only
THE WEST INDIES — SPANISH ISLANDS.
27
indigenous quadruped ever known in Cuba is the huitia, which resem-
bles a large rat, about 18 inches long and without tail. Birds, however,
are numerous, and in great variety ', and insects, including many that
are noxious, as jiggers, ants, mosquitoes, and spiders, abound. The most
remarkable of the reptiles are the maja and the juba — the former from
12 to 14 feet long, and the latter about 6 feet long, and both are danger-
ous. Scorpions and centipedes are also very numerous. The shores
abound with turtle, and in the deep gulfs and bays the crocodile and
cayman are found ; while the manati and iguana are not uncommon —
the first in fresh-water pools and the latter on the banks of streams,
lagoons, etc. Fish is abundant, especially on the north coast.
Military Divisions, Extent, Population, etc. — Cuba is divided into two
departments, and thirty jurisdictions or intendancies, as follows :
Area, ,
Jurisdictions. sq. m. White.
Occidental Department :
Pinar del Rio 3,713 21,843
San Crist6bal 905 11,578
Bahia-Honda 762 4,124
Mariel 572 15,921
San Antonio 154 12,284
Habana 893 87,916
Santiago 214 7,194
Bejucal 191 10,817
Guanabacoa 166 10.72 1
Eosario 309 11,764
Giiines 1,131 18,214
Jaruco 512 10,218
Matanzas 856 37,721
Cardenas 1,262 27,521
Sagua 1,464 14,534
Cienfuegos 2,558 17,811
Villa Clara 1,345 25,592
Trinidad 868 15.208
Eemedios 2,489 15,149
Santo Espiritu 3,819 24,321
—Population (1854).-
Free Col. Slave
3,824
1,923
621
2,849
1,721
32,594
1.597
1,746
3,273
2,841
2,442
1,875
5,948
3.824
1,173
4,124
8.523
7,324
3.821
6,394
6,548
5,494
19.422
10,188
26,850
4,964
7.938
4,322
5,428
16,918
8,186
40,728
55,016
10,001
11,318
5,301
9,318
4,012
6,816
Total.
35,665
20,049
10,239
38,192
24,193
147,360
13,755
20,501
18,316
20.033
37,574
20.229
81,397
86.361
25,708
33,253
39,421
31,850
22,982
37,532
Capitals.
Popula.
Total 24,133 397,451
1,442 268,717 764,610
Oriental Department :
Puerto Principe 6,009
Nuevitas 2.261
Tunas 2,725
Manzanillo 1.380
Holguin 2.523
Bayamo 1,309
Jiguani 702 •
Cuba 3,177
Guantanamo 1,595
Baracoa 1,464
26,893
2,721
3,818
7,321
19,427
10,721
6.721
21,524
1,574
3,817
10,318
397
1,821
11.143
3,271
11,217
4.318
29,718
2,281
3,721
9,321
1,742
722
917
3,827
2,724
684
34,000
5,928
1,842
46,532
4,860
6,361
19,381
26,525
24,662
11,723
85.242
9,783
9,381
PinardelEio 1,500
SanCrist6bal 270
Bahia-Honda 570
Guanajay 3,000
San Antonio Abad 2,890
Habana 125,905
Santiago 2,274
Bejucal. 2,264
Guanabacoa 8,100
Eosario 450
Giiines 3,542
Jaruco 611
Matanzas 26,000
Cardenas 6,173
Sagua la Grande . 2,510
Cienfuegos 4,708
Yilla Clara 6,604
Trinidad 14,119
Eemedios 5,270
Santo Espiritu.... 9,982
Puerto Principe . . 26,648
Nuevitas 820
Tunas 2,004
Manzanillo 3,050
Holguin 3,754
Bayamo 5,875
Jiguani 950
Cuba 24,253
Guaso 863
Baracoa 2,400
Total 23,145 104,537 78,205 61,708 244,450
Grand total 47,278* 501,988 176,647 330,425 1,009,060
* The areas of the adjacent islands and cayos are included in those of the jurisdictions to
which they severally belong: the Isla de Pinos, in the jurisdiction of Habana, contains 709
sq. m., and 1,400 inhabitants ; the Cayo Romano, in Puerto Principe, 190 sq. m. ; Cayo Gua-
jaba, 21 sq. m. ; Cayo Cocos, 37 sq. m. ; Cayo Turiguano, 51 sq. m. ; Cayo Ensenachos, 25 sq.
m. ; Cayo Cruz, 76 sq. m. ; Cayo Largo, 43 sq. m., etc.
28 THE WEST INDIES— SPANISH ISLANDS.
— there were also in Cuba about 40,940 persons who were classed as
transient residents, and not accounted for in the census. Of the whites,
about 90,000 were Spaniards and 25,000 Canary islanders, 3,000 French,
1,000 English, and 3,000 North American and other people.
Productive Industry. — Cuba is agricultural and commercial. It has
few manufactures, properly so called ; nor are its copper mines, though
a conspicuous, a very remunerative interest, and, moreover, these are
worked mainly on foreign account.
The staples of agriculture are sugar, coffee, and tobacco; in 1852 the
sugar crop amounted to 29,165,238 arrobas (1=25 lbs.); coffee,
1,166,902 arrobas; and tobacco, 222,020 cargas. The other principal
products were — molasses, 267,185 bocoyes (1 = 36 gals.); rum, 39,411
pipas; beeswax, 74,903 arrobas; and honey, 106,175 barriles (1 — 6
gals.). Root-crops aVe abundant. The breeding of animals is also a
valuable interest; in 1850 the live-stock consisted of — bulls and cows,
773,353; working oxen, 128,480; horses and asses, 214,588; mules,
23,131 ; hogs, 928,952 ; sheep, 53,763 ; goats, 29,385 ; pea-fowl, 75,646 ;
geese, 25,115; common fowls, 1,562,152 ; Guinea fowls, 143,177; ducks,
189,708, etc. The annual value of agricultural stock and products is
about sixty million dollars. Only about a twentieth part of the island
is under cultivation.
The making of sugar and rum, and the preparation of coffee and
tobacco for market constitute the chief manufactures. A large number
of persons are also employed in the manufacture of cigars ; and many
articles for home-use are made in families. Ship-building is also car-
ried on ; and in Habana and Guanabacoa steam and other machinery
is built, while at Puentes-Grandes a paper-mill is in operation. There
are also numerous sugar refineries, tanneries, etc. Perfumery, phos-
phorus, jewelry, plate, carriages, etc., are more or less manufactured.
Commerce is in a very flourishing condition. The exports consist
principally of the natural and agricultural products of the island, as
mahogany, dye-woods, drugs, sugar, coffee, tobacco, etc. In 1851 there
was exported — sugar, 1,549,893 cajas (1 = 16 arrobas) ; coffee, 625,113
arrobas; beeswax, 47,453 arrobas; molasses, 341,594 bocoyes; leaf
tobacco 9,316,593 pounds, and cigars 270,313 thousands; cocoa, 7,039
arrobas; rum, 9,221 pipas; copper ore, 432,882 quintals, etc. — in all
valued at S3 1,349, 357. The imports consist chiefly of grain, flour, salt
meat, and fish, etc., from the United States, and general merchandise
from England, France, Spain, Germany, etc. The following table ex-
hibits the statistics of the shipping employed in foreign commerce, and
THE WEST INDIES — SPANISH ISLANDS.
29
the value of imports and exports, with the duties thereon, for the year
1851 :
, Navigation. > , Commerce. — <
Ports. Entrances. Clearances. Imports. Kxports.
Habana 1,749 .... 1,622 $25,51 9,146 ... -$16 577.001
Matanzas 499.... '578 1,889.478.... 5,373.370.
Cardenas 413.... 414 638.582.... 1,299,(55.
■vr-iripl 33 .. — 3.527 T.rfoU.
TrSad 197.... 188 706,987.... 1,608,017.
S«?gos:::: 266:.... 230 f},\f.-- \2JK?9-
Nuevitas 52.... 52 162,llo.... 206,519.
sS 129 .. 129 128,221.... 1,217.108.
Sedios-;::: 46.:.. 47 53:129.... 284,192
SantoCruz... 19.... 20 „^,569.... 54,220.
Santo Espiritu 11.... 11 29.384.... ^42,206.
Cuba.... .... 314.... 311 2,136.988.... 2,6Slfll.
Jibara 37.... 34 233,734-... 800,171,
Manzanillo... 65.... 65 ^f^^^A'-'- ?$H?^
Baracoa 34.... 31 68,183.... 170^10.
Guantanamo . 1 1 2,320
Import.
Export.
$4.776,571..
$1,020,905
568.186..
. . 305.088
187,6.38..
. . 38,277
1,000..
—
181,197..
. . 74,415
179,754..
. . 73.900
39,760..
. . 10,886
64,976..
. . 72.874
24,848..
. . 23,974
7,347..
2.389
8,129..
2,972
530,658..
. . 108,024
36,463..
., 82,931
55.548..
. . 16,888
16,450..
9,280
310..
181
Total
3,865.... 8,733 $32,315,145... $31,349,357 $6,678,835... $1,793,984
—of the vessels inward, 883 were Spanish, and 2,982 foreign, and of
those outward, 793 were Spanish, and 2,940 foreign.
The following table exhibits the average quantities of the principal
products of the island exported annually, in quinquinnial periods :
Su-ar Kum, Molasses, Coffee, Beeswax, Tobacco. ,. Cigars Copper Ore,
T, • A „Jtn^n^ m-o,(V torowes arrohaL arrobris. arrobas. libras or lbs. quintals.
IR9T30 6508137 3606 72921.. 1.718,865.. 25,789. .102,915. . 245,097.. -
{526-30. ... 6.508,lg.. d,buj < 1.995,832.. 33.582.. 99,763.. 471,99-3..
icIa i^'" inilq'^^^" 6 235 128 447 1,877 444.. 32,253. .195,487.. 790,467.. -
lS?i?---" lKS"" 9157"" 147074: 1,3.32997.. 37,407 .. 244 872 . . 941,467.. 1,023,838
isSio:::: iSfe?:: 13,653:: 2io,i5t:: 768,244.. 48:i4i.. 291,347.. 896,oo8.. 598,647
—and the annexed shows the progressive value of the average annual
commercial movement :
Increase Increase Increase
lll^-E *ifi 75fi 448 ■ 8 7 12 887 339 .... 1.3 29,643,787. ... 5.4
J1^-4S M'652'766-::: 29:2::::::: SfeW.... 4.3.6 fA^,tii^---?A
}l^,^~i2 99 4723^5 8 7 24,099,646 .... 30.2 46.572,001 .... 15.9
IsSlo :::::::: l'fmJ&.v^^:/^v^ 2^^----j^ 51,979,742.... il6
Jncr.in2otfrs.inm^'-- ^5.5 $12,111,059.... 95.3 $23,849,124.... 84.8
—the value of domestic produce exported in 1846 was $21,587,5-64; in
1847, $27,296,954; in 1848, $25,312,553; in 1849, $21,896,526; and
in 1850, $25,043,154: average of five years, $24,227,350.
The mercantile navy consists of 639 vessels of all sizes, of which 7
are vessels of over 400 tons, 30 of 200 to 400 tons, 99 of 80 to 200 tons,
295 of 20 to 80 tons, and 208 of less than 20 tons. Of these 20 are
steamers, and 389 of foreign construction.
Regular steamship lines are established between Habana and New
York,°Charleston, Key West, Mobile, and New Orleans, m the United
States; Vera Cruz, in Mexico; Aspinwall, in Central America; Rio
30 THE WEST INDIES — SPANISH ISLANDS.
Janeiro and Buenos Ayres, in South America ; Southampton and Liver-
pool, in England; and Cadiz, in Spain, All the steamships composing
these lines carry the public mails, and run either semi-monthly or
monthly.
Internal communication is amply provided for. All the chief ports
are connected by lines of coasting steamers and sail- vessels. Common
roads of the island are open from one to the other end, with lateral
roads diverging to the coast towns ; and the railroad, introduced in 1837,
now traverses over a length of 351 miles. The principal railroads are
those from Habana to Batabana and Matanzas; from Cardenas to
Navajas ; the Jucaro railroad, and those from Villa Clara to Cienfuegos,
and from Puerto Principe to Nuevitas. Several of the large cities are
also connected by lines of the electro-magnetic telegraph.
Government, etc. — All branches of the administration are subject to a
representative of the Spanish crown, who is at the same time captain-
general, superior civil governor, president of the Audiencia Real, etc.,
and who is appointed by and amenable only to the home government.
The whole island constitutes a single province. For political and civil
purposes it is divided into three governments — Habana, Matanzas, and
Cuba, and these are subdivided into sub-governments, parishes, etc.
Habana comprises all the jurisdictions of the occidental department ex-
cept Matanzas, and is under the immediate charge of the superior civil
governor; Matanzas is a separate government, and Cuba comprises all
the jurisdictions of the oriental department. The two latter are subject
to civil governors, nearly independent of the supreme civil governor.
The principal civil tribunal is the royal court [audiencia real pretorial)
of Habana, which has jurisdiction over the whole island, and is presided
over by the superior civil governor. Provincial courts {ayuntamientos)
are also established, and police courts in the rural districts. The ecclesi-
astical are coterminous vrith the military divisions.
Public Accounts. — The total receipts into the treasury in 1850 amounted to
$12,248,713, of which $6,721,251 was maritime revenue, and $5,527,402
internal revenue ; and the expenditures amounted to $11,779,160. The
revenue for the ten years then ending had been as follows :
Years. Maritime. Internal. Total.
1841.... $7,266,464.. $4.650,835.. $11,917,299
1842.... 7.383.346.. 4,731.496.. 12.114.843
1843.... 6,987.017.. 3.407,040.. 10,394.057
1844.... 7,160^631.. 3.329,621.. 10,490.252
1S45.... 5,370,748.. 3,629,252.. 9,000,000
The expenditures in 1851 were— civil $1,841,010, military $5,028,901,
naval $2,045,004, and miscellaneous $1,300,731; and $1,563,513 was
Years.
Maritime.
. Internal.
Total.
1846..
. $6,232,967.
$4,907,811.
$11,140,779
1847..
. 7.494,330 .
5,314,-383.
12,808,713
1848..
. 7,396,726.
6,088.715.
13,435,441
1849..
. 6,429,160.
5.840.260.
12,269,420
1850..
. 6,721,250.
..5,527,462.
12,248,712
THE WEST INDIES — SPANISH ISLANDS. 31
transmitted to Spain in support of legations, pensioners, and employees
connected with the island government.
Armed Forces. — The land force of Cuba consists of 16 regiments of in-
fantry of 1,100 men ; two of cavalry of four squadrons, each of 151 men ;
one of artillery with eight batteries, and a company of sappers and miners
with five batteries ; and a company of engineers — the whole force amount-
ing to 17,600 infantry, 1,808 cavalry, 1,500 artillery, and 130 engineers,
in all 21j038 men. In this enumeration is not included the civil guard.
The naval squadron comprises 25 vessels carrying 219 guns, and is
manned by 3,000 seamen and marines. Among these is 1 frigate, 44
guns- 7 brigs, 104 guns; 11 steamers, 54 guns; 4 goletas, 11 guns; 2
gun-boats, 6 guns; 2 transports, etc.
Education, Religion, etc. — Both religion and education are under the
immediate protection of the government. For ecclesiastical purposes the
island is divided into two dioceses, the archbishopric of Cuba and the
bishopric of Habana, and these are divided into vicarages and curacies.
The Roman Catholic is established to the exclusion of all other religions,
and is that universally professed by the people. Public education has
made notable progress, and is under the patronage of the royal economic
societies of Habana and Cuba, and controlled by a special commission.
The total number of persons employed in giving primary instruction
is about 460, and the number of scholars about 10,000. In Habana
there is a royal university, which has a staff of 30 professors — in 1851
it had 252 matriculants, and of these 61 graduated. There are also
ecclesiastical seminaries in Habana and Caba; and in the principal
.places are good grammar schools. Among the many Cubans who have
distinguished themselves in literature are — the poets Zequeria, Rubal-
caba, Heredia, Blanchie, and Milanes ; the dramatist Alarcos ; the nov-
elist De Merlin ; the historians Arrate, Urritia, Valdes, and Heredia ;
the statist De la Torre; the grammarian Vidal; the lawyers Ayala,
Hechavarrea, Ponce de Leon, Escovedo, Armas, and Govantes ; and the
physician Romay. In Habana 4 daily papers and 1 monthly and 3
other periodicals are issued, and in all the principal towns one or more
papers are published weekly.
Cities, Towns, etc. — Cuba contains 13 cities, 8 towns, and 102 villages.
Habana^ the capital and principal sea-port, stands on the west side of the
entrance of a magnificent land-locked harbor, in lat. 23° 9^ 4''^ north, and
82° 22^ west, and is strongly protected by forts and walls, the latter dividing
it from the suburbs Salud, Guadalupe, etc., in which nearly half of the
population resides. The suburb Regla is on the opposite side of the har-
32 THE WEST INDIES — SPANISH ISLANDS.
bor. The streets of the city are narrow, but the suburbs well laid out and
paved, generally with granite. The buildings are mostly of stone ; and
among these the most conspicuous are the cathedral (containing the
ashes of Columbus), the government palace, admiralty, post-office, royal
tobacco factory, and the casa de benejiciencia, numerous churches, con-
vents, etc. There are about 90 male and 66 female schools in the city,
a university, and an ecclesiastical seminary, a theatre capable of hold-
ing 6,000 persons, and other places of public amusement. It is connect-
ed with Batabana, Matanzas, Cardenas, etc., by railroad. Matanzas^
second only to Habana in commercial prosperity, is situate in a deep
bay on the north coast, about 60 miles east of the capital. It has a well-
sheltered harbor, partly inclosing the town, and has acquired all its
importance since the commencement of the present century. Puerto
Principe is situate in the interior, about 45 miles west-south-west of its
port Las Nuevitas, with which it is connected by railroad, and was
formerly the seat of the audiencia real or royal court, Santiago de Cuba,
is the principal sea-port of the south coast. It has a magnificent harbor,
and is chiefly engaged in the exportation of copper ore. It is the see of
the archbishop, and contains a cathedral, theological seminary, several
learned societies, and a theatre. The city was greatly injured by an
earthquake in 1853. The other cities are — Santiago, Bejucal, Rosario,
Jaruco, Trinidad, Nuevitas, Bayamo, Holguin, and Baracoa, and the
towns are — San Antonio, Guanabacoa, Giiines, Cienfuegos, Villa-Clara,
Remedies. Santo Espiritu, and Manzanillo. All other places are vil-
lages.
History. — Cuba was discovered on the 28th October, 1492, by Columbus,
who revisited it in 1494, and again in 1502. In 1511 the Spaniards
formed their first settlements on the island, and with slight interruption
have retained possession of it ever since. In 1762 Habana was captured
by the British, but was restored in the following year. From this period
the history of Cuba presents little more interesting than a catalogue of
captains-general and bishops down to the period 1809-11, when the ports
were opened to the shipping and trade of foreign countries. This event
marks the commencement of the material prosperity of the island, which
is still only in course of development. For the past few years the quiet
of the inhabitants has been disturbed by piratical expeditions from the
United States ; and the avowed design of the g(
to acquire the island by purchase or conquest.
THE WEST INDIES — SPANISH ISLANDS.
33
THE ISLAND OF PORTO RICO.
Porto Rico, the smallest of the Great Antilles, and the most eastward, is
situate between latitudes 17° 56' and 18° 22^ north, and longitudes
65° 4V and 67° 12^ west from Greenwich. In shape the island is par-
allelogramic ; its length about 90 miles, and its breadth about 36 miles.
Area, with dependencies, 3.865 square miles.
General Description. — A range of wooded mountains traverses the island
east and west, averaging 1,500 feet, and in their loftiest culmination
attaining an elevation of 3,678 feet above the sea. In the interior are
extensive savannahs; and in some parts, along the coasts, there are
tracts of level fertile land from 5 to 10 miles wide, while in others the
mountains approach much nearer to the sea. Nearly the whole north
coast is lined by long and deep lagoons, and many of the rivers can be
navigated to the base of the mountains. The north coast is subject to
heavy ground seas, which beat against the cliffs with great violence.
There are, nevertheless, good harbors on both sides of the island, and
numerous bays and creeks deep enough for vessels of considerable ton-
nage. The climate is generally salubrious; and vegetation, fostered
by its warm moisture, is exceedingly luxuriant. The principal timber
growths are ebony, cedar, lignum-vitse, mahogany, logwood, etc., and
many plants valuable in the arts and pharmacy grow spontaneously.
Among the minerals found in Porto Rico the most valuable are copper,
iron, lead, and coal ; and gold is found in the streams. There are also
two considerable salt-ponds, which are worked by the government.
Divisions, etc.— Porto Rico, with its dependencies, is divided into eight
departments or districts, as follows :
Departmeuts,etc. Area, «.. xn. Pop.la. (1S4B). ^°P- ^;;^- ^ , g Jf JJl7^B^^,,,^^
La Capital 565 70,861 125.42 -| Bavamon 8,125
Arecibo 676 54,044 79.98 Arecibo 11,187
ig-diHa 257 57,322 223.04 AgufS^^. ........ ... 10,458
Mayagues 684 99,895 146.04 .j g^^ German 44,402
Pence 738 71,168 96.44 Ponce 21,466
H-acao 843 41,593 121.26 ^^^-■■::-:^
Guayama 529 51,756 97.83 -j ca^uas 7,808
Isla de Yieque 73 1,275 17.46 Isabela Secunda 354
Total 3^5 447,914 115.88
—of the total population 220,045 were Spaniards and their descendants,
and 227,869 African and mixed races, of which about 45,000 are slaves.
The total population in 1836 numbered 357,086 souls : the increase in
the ten years to 1846 was thus in the ratio of 25.5 per cent., and hence,
with the same rate, the island in 1856 will have 562,134 inhabitants.
34 THE WEST INDIES — SPANISH ISLANDS.
Industry. — The resources of Porto Rico are essentially agricultural.
Until lately none of its mines were worked ; nor has manufacturing
industry made any progress. Not more than one-twelfth of the island
is under cultivation. The principal products are sugar, coffee, and
tohacco ', and extensive farms are laid off for the rearing of live-stock.
The capital invested in agriculture in 1846 amounted to $40,796,464,
and the value of agricultural products for the year preceding amounted to
$6,896,621. The capital employed in other industries was $7,823,545,
and the production $448,344. The value of products exported in 1851
was $5,761,975, and of imports $6,073,870; and the customs collected
on these amounted to $1,069,418. The chief articles of exports in the
same year were— sugar, 118,416,300 pounds • coffee, 12,111,900 pounds;
tobacco, 6,478,100 pounds; hides, 632,700 pounds; cotton, 366,600
pounds; molasses, 45,976 hogsheads; rum, 347 hogsheads; cattle,
5,881 head; cigars, 34,800 thousands, and smaller quantities of cocoa,
oranges, plantains, logwood, lignum-vitse, pimento, annato, castor oil,
etc. The number of vessels entered at the various ports was 1,324,
measuring 160,586 tons. San Juan, Mayagiies, Ponce, Guayama,
Aguadilla, Naguabo, and Arecibo are the principal ports.
Government, etc. — The government, laws, and institutions are nearly
similar to those established by Spain in her other Transatlantic posses-
sions. Porto Rico is governed by a captain-general, whose authority is
supreme in military affairs, and who is president of the Audiencia Real
in civil affairs. In the towns which are capitals of districts, justice is
administered by mayors or judges of the first instance, and in the smaller
towns and villages by inferior magistrates called alcaldes. The Real
Audiencia is the supreme court of the island, and is held at the capital.
District courts are held at the capital, Arecibo, Aguadilla, Mayagiies,
San German, Ponce, Caguas, and Humacao. Each of the eight districts
has its military commandant. The regular land force consists of three
European regiments, each of 900 men, a brigade of artillery, six batal-
lions of disciplined militia infantry, and a regiment of cavalry — in all
about 10,000 men; and the militia numbers about 45,000 in all. The
naval force, which is essentially a section of the Habana fleet, consists
of a ship of war, a schooner, and some score gun-boats. The people are
w^holly Roman Catholic, and are under a bishop. Education has of
late years been attended to, and is now accessible to all, either in the
free schools or at private establishments in all the larger towns.
Chief Towns, etc. — Porto Rico (San Juan de), the principal city, and a
fine sea-port, is situate on the north coast in lat. 17° 56^, and long.
THE WEST INDIES — BEITISH ISLANDS.
35
66'^ 10^. It stands on a small island connected with the mainland by a
bridge, and is surrounded by strong fortifications. It has six churches
and chapels, the bishop's palace, a military hospital, theatre, town-
house, jail, custom-house, arsenal, etc., and is the seat of government
and superior courts of the island. The harbor is very spacious, and
capable of accommodating vessels of the largest size. It is one of the
best regulated and most healthy towns of the West Indies.
History. — Columbus discovered Porto Rico in 1493, at which period it is
said to have had a population of 600,000 or 800,000 souls. In 1509 it
was invaded by the Spaniards from Hayti, who in a few years extermi-
nated the natives and took possession of the island. In the latter part
of the seventeenth century it was captured by the English ; but soon
after abandoned on account of mortality among the troops. From this
time it has been free from foreign aggression ; but in 1820 a revolution
was attempted in favor of separation from the mother-country, and inde-
pendence. This was subdued in 1823.
BRITISH ISLANDS
The British West Indies consist of — the Bahamas, the island of Jamaica,
several of the Caribbean Islands, and a number of small islands of the
Virgin group. In a more extended sense, the term applies also to the
Bermuda Islands in North America, Honduras, and the Bay Islands in
Central America, and the colonies of Guayana in South America ; but
these are more conveniently described in connection with the geograph-
ical sections to which they properly belong. The islands included in
the political family to which reference is now had are as follows .
Islands. Area, sq. m.
Bahamas.... 5,094
Turk's and the Caicos 430
Jamaica ^■?9?
Caymans
Trinidad '
Tobagro
Grenada, etc
St. Vincent
Barbadoes
St. Lucia
Dominica
Montserrat
Antiscua
St. Christopher . .
Nevis
Barbuda
Anguilla J
2.020
144
155
132
166
296
274
47
108
68
21
72
84
Virgin Islands 92
Total 15,663
Popnla.
27,519
4.428
377.433
1.760
68,645
13,208
32,671
30,128
135.930
24,516
22,061
7,653
37.757
23,177
9,601
1,707
3,052
6,689
835,944
Pop. to sq
5.4
10.3
60.4
6.7
.33.9
94.9
210.7
228.2
818.9
82.8
80.5
163.8
349.6
340.8
457.2
23.7
89.8
72.7
53.8
Capitals. Fopula.
JSTassau 8,400
Grand Turk 2,000
Spanish Town 6,300
Georgetown 200
Puerto d'Espana 12,000
Scarboro' 1,400
St. Georgetown 1,800
Kingstown 5,300
Bndgetotvn 22,000
Castries 2,600
Roseau 4,800
Plymouth 1,400
St. John's 14,600
Basse-Terre 7,600
Charlestown 1,800
Barbuda Castle —
Anguilla 300
Torlola 2,700
36 THE WEST INDIES — BRITISH ISLANDS.
— about four-fifths of the population are blacks and other colored races,
and the remainder Europeans and their descendants. In St. Vincent and
Trinidad a few hundred of the aboriginal Caribs still remain.
The Bahamas or Lucayos are a group or archipelago which extends in a
crescent- like form from Matanilla Pi.eef, in lat. 27° 50^, to the north-west
side of Santo Domingo, in about lat. 21° north, and occupy a large por-
tion of the space included between the 72d and 79th meridians. The
principal islands are situate on those remarkable flats called the Bahama
Banks, to the east of Florida channel. The inhabited islands are :
Islands. Area, sq. m. Popiila.
Harbor Island S 1,840
Eleuthera, etc 223 4,610
New Providence 101 8,159
Eum Cayo and Acklin's ... 32 S58
Crooked Island 252 1,092
San Salvador or Cat Island 379 1,828
Exuma, Little and Great. . 142 2,027
Long Island 239 1,47*
Abaco, etc 501 2,011
Islands. Area, sq. m. Popula.
Eagged Islands 5 347
Andros .... I -rnnj 1,030
GreenCavof '^''l 7
Grand Bahama 451 922
Berry Islands | q. J 236
Bimini and Gun Cayo r •• **^ }...;.. 150
Watling Island 44 384
Inagna'^ClIeneagug) 376 530
Cayo Sal and Anguilla 16 71
— the approximate area of the whole group is stated at 5,094 square
miles. Population in 1841, 23,401, and in 1851, 27,519. The princi-
pal exports consist of salt, fruit, sponge, shells, turtle, dye-woods, bark,
and fustic. In 1851 the exports were valued at $182,022, and the im-
ports at S445,229. The shipping in the trade amounted to 31,117 tons,
and the shipping belonging to the island to 144 vessels of 3,978 tons.
The government consists of a governor, council, and house of assembly.
In 1851 the revenue was $125,304. and the expenditures $120,326.
The Bahamas are in the diocese of Jamaica. Nassau, on New Provi-
dence, is the seat of government. San Salvador is noted as the first
American land discovered by Columbus in 1492. The islands were
settled by the English in 1666.
Turk's Island and the Caicos, which are physically a portion of the
Bahama group, were erected into a presidency under Jamaica in 1848.
They lie south-east of the Bahama government, between Caicos and
Mouchoir Carre passages. Area 430 square miles : population 4,428.
Salt is the staple of export. The government is vested in a president
and council of eight members. The president resides on Grand Turk.
Jamaica is the largest of the British islands. It lies between lat. 17° 43'
and 18° 32' north, and long. 76o 05' and 78° 26' west; length 146 and
breadth 49 miles, and area 6,250 square miles.
The island is traversed by lofty mountains. The Blue Mountains, occu-
pying the centre, stretch east and west, and vary in elevation from 7.000
to 8,000 feet. The more elevated ridges are flanked by lower ranges
descending to verdant savannahs, and are covered with stately forests.
THE WEST INDIES — BRITISH ISLANDS. 37
These hills present the characteristics of the limestone formation, of
which they consist, and caverns occur in several places, and some of
them are very extensivb. Jamaica is well- watered, having numerous
small rivers, rivulets, and springs, but none of the first, except Black
River, are navigable. The cultivated products are sugar, indigo, coffee,
and a little cotton. The quantity of sugar produced averages 41,678
hogsheads. Horned cattle and mules are numerous, and sheep, goats,
and hogs abound. The horses are fit only for the saddle. Fish of
many kinds are found on the coast and in the rivers. The principal ex-
ports, besides the above named, are arrow-root, pimento, rum, ginger,
cocoa, logwood, molasses, and tobacco. The exports in 1851 were val-
ued at $5,128j224, and the imports at $5,366,808.
The population in 1848 numbered 377,433 souls. At the present
time it is supposed to be much less, since the cholera of 1851-52 carried
off" about 40,000, a number not supplemented by natural increase.
Government is adrninistered by a governor and council appointed by
the crown, and a house of assembly, the members of which are elected
by the freeholders. The military establishment generally comprises
four European regiments of the line, one West India regiment, a strong
detachment of artillery, and the colonial militia. The revenue in 1851
amounted to $866,736, and the expenditures to $1,049, 511. The church
is presided over by a bishop, whose diocese extends over the Bahamas and
Honduras. Education is rapidly extending, and in 1850 there were in
the island 8 free schools connected with the established church, 82 public
schools, and 9 free schools supported by the government, 46 Wesleyan
mission schools, 21 Moravian, 1 Catholic, 2 Jews, and 33 other schools.
Spanish Town, the capital, and Kingston, the chief port, 16 miles dis-
tant, are connected by railway. The other towns are Montego Bay,
Falmouth, and Lucea on the north coast, and Morant Bay on the south ;
besides which there are the smaller towns of Black River, Savanna-la-
Mar, and Port Morant on the south, and St. Ann's Bay, Port Maria,
Anatto, and Antonio on the north coast.
Jamaica was discovered by Columbus in 1494, and was first colonized
by Spaniards in 1503. It remained subject to the crown of Spain until
1655, when it was taken by the English.
The Caymans, consisting of three principal islands, viz., Grand Cayman,
Little Cayman, and Caymanbrac, are distant west-north-west from
Jamaica, of which government they are dependencies, between 140 and
200 miles, and are situate between lat. 19° 10^ and 19° 45^ north, and
long. 79° 30^ and 81° 35^ west. Area about 260 square miles. Grand
38 THE WEST INDIES — BRITISH ISLANDS.
Cayman, which is the only one inhabited, is 20 miles long, and from 7
to 10 miles wide; and is covered with cocoa-nut trees. On the west
side is Georgetown, a large village ; but the other parts are thinly peo-
pled. The chief occupation of the natives is in catching turtle for the
markets of Jamaica and other islands.
Trinidad, the most southerly of the islands, is separated from the main-
land of South America only by the Gulf of Paria, and is evidently a
section of the continent. Tt is about 90 miles long by 50 wide, and con-
tains about 2,020 square miles. The population in 1851 numbered
68,645, of which about 4,000 are of European origin, and the remainder,
except some 600 aborigines, consists of Africans and their descendants.
Approached from the north, Trinidad appears like an immense ridge
of rocks — its east and south shores are also rocky and high ; but on the
south, or side next the Gulf of Paria, it presents one of the most magnif-
icent panoramas imaginable — the hills, valleys, and plains being cover-
ed with perennial verdure. The mountain chains run west and east —
in the north, near the sea, they attain an elevation of 3,000 feet ; in the
centre is a less elevated group, and in the south a series of beautiful
hills and knolls, among which numerous delightful valleys occur. In
the intervals between these ranges are several extensive plains, stretch-
ing nearly across the island. These plains are bountifully watered.
The principal rivers are the Caroni, the Oropuche, and the Ortoire — the
first two navigable. The nucleus of the mountains is a very dense
argillaceous schist. There is no granite on the island ; but blocks of
milky quartz are found in every valley. Gypsum and limestone are
rare. Near Point Icaque, forming the south-west extremity of the land,
are several mud volcanoes ; and submarine volcanoes also occur on both
sides of the island — one on the west, near Cape Brea, which frequently
discharges petroleum, and the other, near Cape Mayero, which in March
and June gives detonations resembling thunder, succeeded by flames and
smoke, and afterward ejecting bitumen. But the most remarkable
phenomena of this kind in the island is the asphaltum or pitch lake, sit-
uate in the leeward side, on a small peninsula jutting into the sea a little
to the north-east of Guapo Bay. Several attempts have been made to
ascertain the depth of the lake, but no bottom has ever been found. The
climate is apparently less unhealthy than that of many of the other
islands. Abundant dews cool and invigorate the atmosphere, and give
an unrivaled luxuriance to vegetation. The soil is generally fertile, and
the elevated parts are mostly covered with dense forests, among which
the red cedar and various palms are conspicuous.
THE WEST INDIES — BEITISH ISLANDS. 39
The chief crop of Trinidad is cocoa. The other exportable products
are sugar, molasses, rum, and coffee, small quantities of cotton and gin-
ger, and asphaltum from the pitch lake. The exports of 1851 were
valued at $1,383,696, and the imports at $1,996,512.
Trinidad is a crown colony, the public affairs being administered by
a governor, assisted by an executive and a legislative committee. The
revenue in 1851 amounted to $425,568, and the expenditures were
$371,532. Schools are established in the towns, and considerable prog-
ress has been made in educational matters. The great body of the peo-
ple (43,605) are Catholics. Puerto d^Espana, on the north-west side
of the island, is the capital, and one of the finest towns in the West
Indies. Trinidad has numerous other good harbors on its west and also
south coasts, particularly on the former. On the east and north shores
but few occur, and those indifferent. The island was discovered by
Columbus in 1498, and taken from the Spaniards by the British in 1797.
Tobago is situate 24 miles north-east of Trinidad. Its length, north-east
and south-west, is 32 miles, and its greatest breadth about 12 miles.
Area 144 square miles. Population 13,208. It is one entire mass of
rocks, rising with a steep ascent on the north-east, and descending grad-
ually toward the south-west, with some small but picturesque valleys
intervening. The greatest height of the rock is 900 feet. The wester;i
part is the least mountainous, and on the south terminates in broken
plains and lowlands. The island is well watered by streams and riv-
ulets rising in the interior and passing through the lowlands to the sea.
It has several good harbors along the north coast for vessels of 150 tons,
and a few also on the south coast. The climate is extremely unhealthy.
The chief and almost exclusive products are sugar, rum, and molasses.
In 1851 the exports were valued at $254,554, and the imports at
$1 10,040. Government is administered by a lieutenant-governor, assist-
ed by a council, both appointed by the crown. The legislature consists
of the above and a house of assembly of 16 elected members. Revenue
in 1851, $42,317 ; expenditures, $42,331. Scarloro\ on the south-west
side of the island, is the seat of government, and the principal shipping
port. Georgetown^ farther east, is also a port. The island was dis-
covered by Columbus in 1496, and ceded to Great Britain by France
in 1763.
Grenada is situate about 72 miles north of Trinidad. It is of an oblong
form, and extends north and south 24 miles, with a maximum breadth
of 10 miles. Area about 125 square miles; but including the Grena-
dines, several small islands between Grenada and St. Vincent, about
40 THE WEST INDIES — BRITISH ISLANDS.
155 square miles. Population 32,671. Grenada is one of the most
beautiful of the West India Islands. Irregular masses of volcanic
mountains, in some parts 3,000 feet high, traverse it north and south,
and from these hills of less height branch off in lateral directions. The
intervening valleys are well watered by rivulets rising in the mountains.
The soils are various, but consist principally of a rich black or reddish
colored mold, well adapted to every tropical production. Cotton was
formerly the chief article of culture ; but at present sugar, rum, and
molasses stand first in the exports, which amounted in 1851 to i$646,925.
The imports for the same year were valued at $762,864. The govern-
ment consists of a lieutenant-governor and a legislature, consisting of a
council and a house of assembly. The revenue for 1851 amounted to
$81,388, and the expenditures to $76,023. St. Georgetown^ in the south-
west of the island, is the seat of government and centre of trade. On
the south coast there is good anchorage at Egmont Harbor, and on the
east at Grenville Bay. Grenada was discovered by Columbus in 1498;
colonized by the French in the middle of the seventeenth century ; taken
by the British in 1762; recaptured in 1779, and restored in 1783.
St. Vincent is situate about 90 miles north of Grenada, and the same dis-
tance west of Barbadoes, The island is about 18 miles long and 11
miles wide, with an area of 132 square miles. Population 30,128.
The central mountains of St. Vincent are bold, sharp, and abrupt in
their terminations, and are clothed in magnificent forests. The valleys
between the spurs open on approaching the coast, which is bold and
rocky. These are well watered and very fertile. On the north-east
the surface is more level and less broken ; and there is a large tract at
the base of the Souffriere, an extinct volcano 3,000 feet high, gradually
declining toward the sea, and which is the most productive land of the
colony. The climate is remarkably fine. The principal products are
sugar, rum, and molasses; and in less quantities coffee, cocoa, and cot-
ton. These, with dyewoods, arrow-root, etc., form the exports, the
value of which in 1851 was $1,048,896. The imports for the same
year were valued at $953,664. The government consists of a lieuten-
ant-governor, a council, and assembly. The revenue of 1851 amounted
to $78,264, and the expenditures to $77,856. Bequia, and a number
of other small islands are dependencies of St. Vincent. Kingstown,
the capital, is situate on a deep bay near the south-west extremity of the
island, and is a strongly fortified town. The other principal places are
Calliagua, Georgetown, and Princestown. St. Vincent was discovered
by Columbus on the 2 2d January, 1498. Since 1719 it had been occu-
THE WEST INDIES — BRITISH ISLANDS. 41
pied successively by the French and English ; but in 1783 it was finally
ceded to the latter nation.
St. Lucia lies 21 miles north by east from St. Vincent, and 20 miles south
of Martinique; and is 27 miles in length and 14 miles wide. Area
296 square miles ; population 24,516. It is evidently of volcanic origin,
and, with exception of the plains of Gros Islet in the north, and of Vieux-
Fort in the south, has an elevated, rugged, and mountainous surface.
Several of the heights have, at no remote period, been volcanoes, and in
one of them, called Souffriere, volcanic agency is still active. The
greater part of the island, and especially the more mountainous parts,
are covered with masses of dense and gloomy forests ; but the valleys
and lower heights, the soil of which consists of decomposed lava, possess
almost inexhaustible fertility. This advantage, however, is counter-
balanced by the general unheal thiness of the climate. The staple pro-
duct is sugar cane, the cultivation of which is rapidly increasing. The
exports of sugar amounted in 1847 to 41,850 cwts., in 1849 to 67,405
cwts., and in 1852 to 73,484 cwts. The exportation of coffee, which in
1842 amounted to 151,837 lbs., has now nearly ceased. Molasses, rum,
and cocoa are also important articles of export. In 1851 the total value
of exports was $235,809, and of imports S290,582. The government is
administered by a lieutenant-governor and legislative council. The old
French laws are still in force. Revenue $56,402, and expenditures
$51,048. Castries^ at the bottom of a fine bay on the north-east side of
the island, is the capital. The other chief places are — Vieux-Fort, La-
borie, and Port Souffriere. Pidgeon Island, off" the north-west coast, is
the seat of a military establishment. St. Lucia was settled by the En-
glish in 1635, but was subsequently and at various times occupied by
the French. In 1803 it was finally ceded to Great Britain.
Barbadoes is the most eastern of the islands. It appears quite detached
from the Caribbean chain, being 90 miles eastward of St. Vincent, the
nearest island. Length 15, and breadth 10 miles; area 166 square
miles. The eastern and northern coasts are belted with coral reefs,
which prevent, the approach of vessels of more than 50 tons. The open
coast on the south and west has been strongly fortified. The surface
of the island is comparatively low, and is diversified by gently undu-
lating hills. In the north, however, Mt. Hillaby rises to the height of
1,147 feet. The climate is hot, but not unhealthy. The soils vary
considerably, but in the lowlands are very rich. The rock that supplies
this soil is a tertiary shell limestone. There are several bituminous
springs, some of which furnish a green tar, used as a substitute for pitch
42 THE WEST INDIES — BRITISH ISLANDS.
and lamp oil. Destructive hurricanes are frequent. The cultivated
crops are sugar-cane, cotton, ginger, etc. The sugar crop of 1850
amounted to 35,076, and of 1851 to 38,730 hogsheads. These, with
arrow-root, aloes, etc., form the staples of export. In 1851 the value
of exports was $4,260,609, and of imports $3,791,889. Tonnage in-
ward 96.381 tons, and outward 93,303; and 34 vessels (1,293 tons) are
owned in the colony. The "governor of Barbadoes is also superior gov-
ernor of all the Windward Islands. The legislature comprises the gov-
ernor, a council, and house of assembly, the latter two elective. Bar-
badoes is also the see of the Windward diocese. There are in the colony
11 churches and 34 chapels of the establishment, besides those belonging
to other denominations. The chief educational establishment is Cod-
rington College; and in 1850 the various schools were attended by
8,852 scholars. The public revenue in 1851 amounted to $259,506, and
the expenditures to $225,888. Bridgetown^ the capital, is situate on
Carlisle Bay, at the south-west end of the island. This is also the chief
shipping port. There are three other towns, called Oistin's, St. James',
and Speight's — the first two are little more than hamlets. Speight's
Town is a place of considerable importance. The island was settled
by the English in 1605, and was the first in these parts colonized by that
nation. It is at the present day the most prosperous and progressive of
all the British West India colonies.
Dominica lies between the French islands of Martinique and Guadaloupe,
and is 28 miles long, with a mean breadth of 10 miles. Area 274 square
miles ; population 22.061. The existence of pumice, sulphur, etc., attests
its volcanic origin. Surface mountainous — Morne Diabloten, the highest
summit, is 5,300 feet above the sea. Valleys fertile, and watered by
numerous streams. The island contains abundance of timber. Shores
but little indented, and devoid of harbors. The principal products are
sugar, molasses, rum, coffee, cocoa, oranges, and cotton. In 1851 the
value of exports was $300,309, and of imports $344,774. The fisheries
off the coast are very productive. The government consists of a lieu-
tenant-governor, council, and assembly of 20 members. Revenue in 1851,
$61,925, and expenditures $60,587. The principal towns are — Roseau
or Charlotte Town, the capital, on the south-west side, and Portsmouth^
on Prince Rupert's Bay, on the north-west. Dominica was discovered
in 1493, and was claimed alternately by England, France, and Spain,
but was finally ceded to Great Britain in 1763.
MoNTSERRAT, nearly equidistant (30 miles) from Nevis, Antigua, and
Guadaloupe, is of an oval form, 10 miles long and about 7 miles wide.
THE WEST INDIES — BRITISH ISLANDS 43
Area 47 square miles ; population 7,653. The east side of the island is
mountainous and covered with forests. On the west the land slopes
down toward the sea. Sugar, rum, and molasses are the chief products
of cultivation. Cotton, arrow-root, and tamarinds are also among its
exports. Value of exports in 1851, $84,710, and of imports $45,595.
Government is administered by a president, council, and house of assem-
bly. Revenue $16,061, expenditures $14,751. Plymouth^ the capital,
is on the south-west side of the island. Montserrat was discovered by
Columbus in 1493, and in 1632 settled by the English.
Antigua, the chief island of the Leeward group, lies about 48 miles east
of St. Christopher, and is about 18 miles long and 9 broad. Area 108
square miles • population 37.757. The shores are high and rocky, and
indented on all sides by harbors, bays, and creeks, and lined on the north
and east with a number of small rocky islets. The only elevated land
is a range of rocky hills, called the Sheckerly Mountains, which nowhere
exceed 1,500 feet in height. There are no rivers on the island^ and its
springs are brackish. The principal exportable products are sugar, rum,
molasses, rice, arrow-root, and tobacco. In 1847 the exports were val-
ued at $1,774,034, and in 1851 at $277,070, and the imports of the
respective years at $1,046,390 and $785,390. The falling off in the ex-
ports is attributed to severe drouth. Government is vested in a gov-
ernor, council, and assembly. The governor is also governor-in-chief
of the Leeward Islands. Revenue in 1851, $103,987, expenditures
$99,086. The diocese of Antigua also includes all the Leeward Islands.
St. John, the capital, is built on the north-west side of the island, and
at the bottom of the bay of the same name, which forms an excellent
harbor. English Harbor, on the south side, has a government dock-yard,
and is capable of receiving the largest ships. Antigua was discovered
by Columbus in 1493, and settled by the English in 1632. The island
has suffered severely from earthquakes and hurricanes.
St. Christopher, to the west of Antigua, lies north-west and south-east,
17 miles in length and 6 miles broad, and is separated from Nevis by a
strait only a mile and a half wide. Area 68 square miles ; population
23,177. The centre of the island is occupied by rugged, barren mount-
ains, which contain some hot springs. The highest point, called Mount
Misery, 3,711 feet above the sea, is an exhausted volcano, the crater of
which is still apparent. The soil of the plain is chiefly a dark-gray
loam. Sugar is the principal object of cultivation, and of this the crop
in 1851 amounted to 7, 270. hogsheads. Rum and molasses are also ex-
ported. The value of exports in 1851 amounted to $541,191, and of
44 THE WEST INDIES — BRITISH ISLANDS.
imports to $510,144. The island is governed by a lieutenant-governor,
and sends 10 members to the Anfigua assembly. The revenue in 1851
amounted to $94,392, and the expenditures to $70,426. Basseterre^ the
capital, is situate on the south-side of the island. St. Christopher was
discovered by Columbus in 1493, and settled by the English in 1623. In
1782, and again in 1805, it was taken by the French, but not retained.
Nevis, off the south-east extremity of St. Christopher, consists almost en-
tirely of a single conical mountain of volcanic origin, rising with a gentle
ascent from the sea to a height of 2,500 feet, and surrounded at the base
by a level border of extremely fertile land. Area 21 square miles ; pop-
ulation 9,601. Only about one-fourth the surface is capable of cultiva-
tion, the high parts being rocky and barren. The exportable products
are sugar, rum, and molasses. Exports in 1851, $112,656, and imports
$79,094. The island is governed by an administrative council and as-
sembly. Revenue in 1850, $23,821. Charlestown is the capital, Nevis
was firgj; colonized by the English, in 1628.
Barbuda, 27 miles north of Antigua, is a low, level, and fertile island. It
is the private property of the Codrington family, and the only proprietary
government in the West Indies. The inhabitants, chiefly colored, are
employed in breeding stock and the cultivation of corn, cotton, pepper,
indigo, and tobacco. No sugar is grown. The air is so mild and pure
that invalids from other islands resort here for the restoration of health.
Anguilla is the most northern of the Leeward Islands, and distant about
five miles from St. Martin's. It is 16 miles long and 4 broad, but so
low and flat that it can not be seen at a great distance. Area 34 square
miles; population 3,052. The soil is calcareous and not very produc-
tive. In the centre of the island is a saline lake, which yields a large
quantity of salt. The inhabitants are chiefly engaged in cattle-breeding
and salt-raking, and also cultivate small quantities of sugar, cotton, and
tobacco. The island is governed by a magistrate elected by the colo-
nists, but subject to the approval of the governor of Antigua. The town
is situate on the east side and near the north-east end of the island ; it
is a small place, with little trade. Anguilla was settled by the English
in 1659. Anguilleta, Dog, and other islets, lie off the coast.
Virgin Islands are a group east of Porto Rico, and are severally in the
possession of Spain, Great Britain, and Denmark. The islands belong-
ing to the British are Tortola, Virgin Gorda or Penniston, Jos Van Dykes,
Guana, Beef, Thatch. Anegada, Nichar, Prickly Pear, Camanas, Gin-
ger, Cooper's, Salt, St. Peter, etc. Area 92 square miles; population
6,689. Throughout these islands a series of precipitous and rugged
THE WEST INDIES — FRENCH ISLANDS. 46
mountains and rocks run east and west ; and the shores are indented
with bays, harbors, and creeks. The principal products are cotton, sugar,
molasses, rum, "etc. In 1851 the exports were valued at $13,701, and
the imports at $23,742. The affairs of the island are administered by a
lieutenant-governor with a council and assembly. Tortola^ on the island
of the same name, is the capital, and has a magnificent harbor, perfectly
land-locked, which in time of war has sheltered 400 vessels waiting for
convoy. The Virgins were discovered by Columbus in 1493 ; settled by
the Datch in 1648, and captured by the English in 1666.
THE FRENCH ISLANDS.
The French West Indies are comprised in the governments of Guada-
loupe and Martinique. Area 1,013 square miles. Population 276,453.
THE GUADALOUPE GOVERNMENT.
GuADALoupE comprises the island so called, the islands of Marie-Galante,
Desirade, and Les Saintes, and about two-thirds of the island of St. Martin.
Islands. Area, sq. m. Popula. ("1849). Pop. to aq. in. Chief Places. Popula.
Guadaloupe 529 134,574 254.4 B asse-Tekre 3,876
Marie-Galante 59 12,749 216.1 Grandbourg 1,200
Desirade 17 2,56S 151.0 Anse-Galet 400
Popula. ri849).
Pop. to aq. in
134,574
254.4
12,749
216.1
2,56S
151.0
1,311
262.5
3,773
179.7
Les Saintes 5
St. Martiu (N. part) 21 3,773 179.7 Marigot.
Total 631 154,975 245.6
— of the population about three-fourths the whole are Africans and their
descendants, and the remainder French, Creoles, and mixed races.
Guadaloupe^ the largest of the islands, is composed of two divisions or
islands, separated by a strait called Riviere Salee (Salt River), about
5 miles long and from 30 to 100 yards broad, sufficiently deep for vessels
of 60 tons. It is situate in lat. 16° north, and long. 61° 30^ west. The
west or larger island is Guadaloupe Proper, divided into Basse-Terre
and Cabes-Terre, and is 27 miles long by 15 miles wide. The eastern
island, called Grande-Terre, is nearly 30 miles long by 10 to 12 broad.
Guadaloupe Proper is of volcanic formation, and is traversed north and
south by a ridge of hills having a medium height of 2,296 feet; and
with the culminating points in La Souffriere, an active volcano 5,108
feet high, and in Grosse-Montagne, Deux-Mamelles, and Piton de Bouil-
lante, extinct volcanoes. Grande-Terre, on the other hand, is generally
flat, composed of madrepores and marine detritus, and nowhere rises
higher than 115 feet above the sea. Guadaloupe has numerous small
46 THE WEST INDIES— FRENCH ISLANDS
streams, running in deeply-cut beds, but becoming dry in summer. The
principal are the Goyaves, Lamentin, and Lezarde, which are navigable
for canoes. Grande-Terre has only a few springs of brackish, undrink-
able water. The climate is hot and unhealthy, and the atmosphere re-
markably humid. Hurricanes are frequent and destructive. The soil
is fertile and well-cultivated. The mountains are covered with fine
forests, and the marshy coast of Basse-Terre with mangroves and man-
chineel trees. The products natural and cultivated are similar to those
of the West Indies generally; but in regard to sugar, the Tahiti cane
is the only kind cultivated. The principal anchorages of Guadaloupe-
are — the Bay of Mahault and the roads of Basse-Terre — the latter in
the south-west, with the town of the same name, capital of the govern-
ment, on its shore. Villages are found at short distances along the
whole coast. Grande-Terre possesses the anchorages of Moule and
Point-a-Pitre. The latter, at the south entrance to the Salt River, is
esteemed one of the best in the Antilles, and on it was situate the im-
portant town of St. Louis or Point-a-Pitre, which was destroyed by an
earthquake on the 8th February, 1843, on which occasion 4,000 of the
inhabitants perished.
Marie- Galante, 14 miles south-south-east of Guadaloupe, is about 12
miles long by 8 miles broad, and is traversed north and south by a range
of hills parallel to the east coast, where it presents a front of high and
precipitous rocks. The west and north sides of the island are level, and
parallel with the former is a narrow lagoon 7 or 8 miles in length, sep-
arated from the sea by a low, narrow tract of sand. The island abounds
in woods, particularly the wild cinnamon tree. Its principal town,
Grandbourg or Basse-Terre, stands near the south-west point; other
towns are Les Carmes on the west, and St. Anne on the east shores.
Desirade or Deseada lies about four miles east from the south-east
extremity of Grande-Terre, and is about 8 miles long by 3 miles wide.
It rises from the sea with a steep ascent, and then extends in a table-
land, which consists of limestone rocks, in which many caverns occur ;
but it is without water. The soil in some places is a deep black mold,
and fertile — in others it is sandy and unproductive. The only anchor-
age is at the Anse-Galet, on the east side of the island.
Les Saintes are a group of rocky islets, 6 or 7 miles south of Guada-
loupe, and consist of lofty and steep peaks, some of which are united
by flat ground and ridges of inferior elevation ; others are separated by
the sea. The two largest are called Terre d'en Haut and Terre d'en Bas,
or the upper and lower land — the first is about four miles in circuit,
THE WEST INDIES — FRENCH ISLANDS, 47
and contains a town or village on its west side. The inhabitants are
poor, and live chiefly on fish and vegetables.
St. Martin^ the northern portion of which belongs to the French,
and forms a dependency of Guadaloupe, is a small island immediately
south of the British island of Anguilla, in lat. 18° 5^ north, and long.
630 6^ west. The southern portion is held by the Dutch. Its form is
nearly that of an equilateral triangle — each side about seven miles in
length. Area 33 square miles. It is deeply indented with bays and
lagoons, some of which afford good anchorage ; and is upon the whole
hilly, the highest part being 1,361 feet above the sea. It is watered by
several rivulets ; and in the south are lagoons from which great quan-
tities of salt are obtained by the Dutch. The climate is remarkably
mild and is considered healthy.
The chief cultivated products are sugar, rum, molasses, coffee, and
other West India staples. The sugar crop of Guadaloupe amounts to
about 60,000 hogsheads annually. The exports for the year ending 31st
December, 1851, consisted of — muscovado sugar, 20,048,368 kilogram-
mes; coffee, 221.218 do.; cotton, 20,443 do. ; cocoa, 11,425 do. ; cassia,
165 do.; molasses, 13,879 litres; and rum, 142,139 litres, etc. The
trade is chiefly with France. The products and commerce of the de-
pendent islands are similar, but on a smaller scale. A considerable
quantity of fish is taken in the neighboring seas.
For administrative purposes Guadaloupe and its dependencies are
divided into three arrondissements, and these again into cantons and com-
munes. The government consists of a governor, assisted by a privy
council of six members, and a colonial council of 30 members, the latter
elected by the landowners and tax-payers. Justice is administered by a
superior court and two courts of assize. The colonial council elects two
delegates to represent the people in the home colonial council. Local
affairs are administered by municipal councils.
Guadaloupe was discovered by Columbus in 1493. In 1635 the
French settled upon the island and kept it until 1759, when it was taken
by the English. It was subsequently and at various times captured and
recaptured by these nations, and finally ceded to France in 1814. Its
immediate dependencies of course shared the fate of the central island.
The island of St. Martin was settled by the French and Dutch in 1638 ;
but these were expelled by the Spaniards, who themselves abandoned
the island in 1750; and the original settlers resumed possession.
48 THE WEST INDIES — FRENC H ISLANDS.
THE MARTINIQUE GOVERNMENT.
Martinique, the government of which covers the island of the same name,
lies in lat 14° 45^ north, and long. 61° 10^ west, and about 20 miles
north of St. Lucia. It is of irregular form, high and rocky, about 45
miles long and from 10 to 15 miles wide. Area 382 square miles.
There are six extinct volcanoes on the island, and one of the craters is
of large dimensions. The loftiest summit, Mont Pelee, is 4.450 feet
above the sea. Extensive masses of volcanic rocks cover the interior,
rise to a great elevation, and extend from the mountains to the shores,
where they form numerous deep indentations along the coast. Between
the volcanic rocks broad, irregular valleys of great fertility occur. Those
on the west side, called Basse-Terre, are more extensive, fertile, and
level than those on the east side, called Cabes-Terre. The climate is
hot, but not unhealthy, being tempered by regular breezes. Hurricanes
and earthquakes are not unfrequent. About two-fifths of the surface are
under cultivation, the remainder being covered with trees or occupied
by naked rocks or disintegrated pumice. The mountain slopes are for
the most part covered with primeval forests, in other parts the slopes
are cultivated to the height of 400 feet. Numerous streams flow down
from the height, most of them mere rivulets ; but a few of them are
navigable for boats a short distance from their mouths, and are used for
the conveyance of produce to the shipping. For administrative purposes
the island is divided into two arrondissements, 14 cantons, and 26 com-
munes. Government is conducted by a governor and privy council of 7
members; and the colonial council consists of 30 members. The popu-
lation in 1849 numbe'red 121,478 souls. The principal productions are
sugar, coffee, cocoa, etc. The exports for the year ending 31st Decem-
ber, 1851, consisted of — sugar, muscovado, 23,406,696, and clayed, 809
kilogrammes; coffee, 110,933 do.; cocoa, 149,033 do.; cassia, 163,580
do.; logwood, 50,200 do.; molasses, 33,754 litres; and rum, 2,064,511
litres. The island has several good harbors, the best of which is Port
Royal, on the south-west side. The principal town is St. Pierre, on the
north-west ; and there are villages on every part of the coasts. The
island was discovered by Columbus in 1493, and in 1635 was settled
by the French, In 1794 it was captured by the English, and restored
in 1802; and was subsequently, between 1809 and 1814, held by the
English, who at the close of the war again released it to France.
THE WEST INDIES — DUTCH ISLANDS,
49
THE DUTCH ISLANDS.
The colonial possessions of the Netherlands in the West Indies comprise
the islands of Cura9oa, Bonaire, Aruba, etc., lying off the coast of Ven-
ezuela, and St. Eustatius and Saba, and part of the island of St. Martin,
among the Leeward Islands. These are as follows :
, ^Population. > Pop. to
Islands. Area, eq. m. Free. Slave. Total. sq. m. Chief Places.
Cura^oa 138 11,225 5,573 16,798 121.7 Wilhelmstadt.
Bonaire 83 1,478 742 2,220 26.7 Village in S. W. side.
Aruba 23 2,443 602 3,045 132.4 Fort Zoutman.
St. Eustatius 97 782 1,150 1,932 19.9 St. Eustatius.
Saba 16 ' 1,014 649 1,663 103.9 Landing on south side.
St. Martin (S. part) 12 1,227 1,612 2,839 236.6
Total 369 18,169 10,328 28,497 77.2
— of the total population 8,595 are Protestants, 19,072 Roman Catholics,
and 837 Jews; the Roman Catholics preponderate in Cura9oa, Bonaire,
and Aruba, and the Protestants in St. Eustatius, Saba, and St. Martin.
The Jews are almost exclusively (829) found in Curapoa.
ISLANDS OFF THE VENEZUELAN COAST.
Curacoa is situate 46 miles north of the coast of Venezuela, and in lat.
120 15^ north, and long. 69° west. It is about 30 miles long by 6 miles
broad, rising wild, bare, and abrupt, and consists of two ridges of green-
stone, connected by a limestone dyke a mile and a half thick. Iron and
copper occur, but are not wrought. Both the atmosphere and soil are
dry, but the heat tempered by the sea-breeze. Indigo, cotton, and cocoa,
once cultivated, are now abandoned ; and the people depend either on the
rearing of cattle and other stock, or on the salt which is produced here
in great abundance. Small quantities of sugar and tobacco are also pro-
duced. The opuntia, among other cacti, grows <m the island and feeds
the cochineal insect, to which increasing attention is paid. Many fruits
are cultivated — tamarinds, bananas, oranges, and the lime ; from the
last named the famed Curacoa liqueur is made. The shores teem with
magnificent lobsters, crabs, and shell-fish ; and the seas furnish plenty
of excellent fish. Sea and land turtle abound. Salt, however, is the
great staple, and of this about 250,000 barrels are exported annually.
In 1851 the number of vessels entered was 605, the cargoes of which
were valued at between 2,000,000 and 2,500,000 florins. The principal
harbor, Santa Anna, is on the south-west side of the island. The en-
trance is very narrow — on the eastern side of it is Fort Amsterdam, and
on the opposite side of the harbor is the town of Curacoa or Wilhelm-
50 THE WEST INDIES — DUTCH ISLANDS.
stadt, said to be one of the handsomest in the West Indies. Curacoa
was settled by the Spaniards early in the sixteenth century. It was
captured in 1632 by the Dutch, and in 1798 by the English. The peace
of Amiens restored it to the Dutch. The British again took it in 1806,
and finally ceded it to the Netherlands in 1814.
Bonaire (Buen-Ayre), 27 miles north-east of Cura9oa, is about 18
miles long and from 4 to 5 broad. It is of very irregular shape, high,
and hilly, chiefly composed of calcareous deposits, but in some places of
pure quartz, and is thickly wooded. The soil is hard and dry, sufiering
from deficiency of rain, yet not without excellent pastures. On the south
coast the land is covered with low knolls clothed with verdant creepers
and cacti, which yield considerable cochineal. The hillsides are cov-
ered with forests of Brazil and yellow- wood, but there are no fruit-bear-
ing trees. Large quantities of salt are produced. The roadstead is on
the south-west side. In 1851 the number of vessels entered was 265 (160
in ballast), and there was exported 68,449 barrels of salt. The island is
chiefly used as a penal depot by the Dutch West India authorities.
Aruha (Oruba), 50 miles west by north of Curacoa is about 8 miles
long and 2 miles broad, and is surrounded by rocks, and difficult of ap-
proach. The surface is generally stony, though in some parts flat and
sandy, and notwithstanding the want of water there are some good mead-
ows. Excellent iron ore and a little gold are found ; but the chief occupa-
tion is cattle raising. In 1851 the trade of the island occupied 65 vessels.
Curacoa Chica^ the Bird Islands, etc., also belong to the Dutch, but
are not inhabited. The latter is a small group south-east of Bonaire.
ISLANDS OF THE LEEWAKD aROUP.
St. Eustatius is situate 11 miles north-west of St. Christopher, in lat.
170 32^ north, and long. 63° 5^ west, and is scarcely 30 miles in circum-
ference. There are two hills — Punch Bowl Hill and Signal Hill, the
latter an extinct volcano; between is a deep valley, forming the interior
of the island. The level parts are covered with cane fields and provis-
ion grounds. Game is plentiful, and is exported to other islands. The
commerce of the island, which was formerly large, is now almost extinct,
and its population, which in 1780 numbered 25.000, is reduced to a few
hundreds. The town, divided into the upper and lower town, lies on a
level piece of ground on the south-west side of the island. The road-
stead is open and unprotected, but has good anchorage in certain winds.
Saha lies about 15 miles west-north-west from the north point of St.
Eustatius. It rises abruptly from the sea, and is inaccessible except
THE WEST INDIES — DANISH ISLANDS. 51
upon the south side, where are a little creek and landing-place. The
island is inhabited by a few Dutch families, who cultivate the cotton
plant and manufacture stockings, shoes, etc.
St. Martin^ of which the Dutch possess the southern portion, has
been already described. In 1851 salt to the amount of 148,525 barrels
was obtained, and the arrivals and clearances amounted to 334 vessels.
These six islands and their dependencies form a single government,
the seat of which is Wilhelmstadt, on the island of Cura9oa, The ad-
ministration of affairs is vested in a governor- general and a colonial coun-
cil. The president and vice-president of the council are chosen by the
governor. The receipts and expenditures in 1851 were as follows :
Curacoa, Bonaire, St. Martin
Aruba, etc. St. Eustatius. and Saba. Total.
Eeceipts 198,944 florins 6,321 florins 35,225 florins 240,490 florins.
Expenditures 398,625 " .... 28,144 " .... 40,294 « .... 467,073 "
— the deficiencies being made up by the home government. The mili-
tary garrisons collectively at the close of 1850 consisted of 14 officers,
and 408 soldiers. St. Martin had also a squadron of citizen cavalry.
THE DANISH ISLANDS.
The West India possessions of Denmark — St. Thomas, Santa Cruz, and St.
John, with their dependencies, belong to the Virgin group, and lie cen-
trally in lat. 18° north, and long. 64° 30^ west. The extent, population,
etc., of these are as follows :
Islands. Area, sq. m. Popula. (1850). Pop. sq. m. Chief Towns. Popnla.
St. Thomas 27 13,666 506.2 Charlotte-Amalia .... 12,883
Santa Cruz 78 23,729 304.2 Cheistianstadt 6,127
St. John (Jan) 22 2,228 101.3 Christiansborg 136
Total 127 39,623 812.0
— in St. Thomas about a third and in Santa Cruz and St. John about
three-fourths of the inhabitants are blacks.
St. Thomas lies about 38 miles east of Porto Rico, and in lat. 18° 20^
north, and long. 64° 55^ west. The greatest length, east and west, is
12 miles, and the average breadth less than 3 miles. It has a rugged
and elevated surface, which attains its greatest height toward the centre,
and descends sometimes gradually, but oftener abruptly to the shore. It
was once well-wooded, but is now almost bare, and from this cause
suffers much from a deficiency of rain ; nor is its soil fertile. The area
under crop is only about 2,500 acres, of which nearly one-half are plant-
ed with sugar-cane. A large number of islets and keys lie around its
shores. The island enjoys the privileges of a free harbor, and its trade
is consequently very extensive. The harbor and town ( Charlotte- Ama-
52 THE WEST INDIES — DANISH ISLANDS.
lia) lie about midway of the island, on the south side. The anchorage
is very extensive and secure, and the opening seaward is only 1,030 yards
wide. The town lies around the north side of the harbor, and contains
many substantial stores and dwellings. Here centres a large trade fos-
tered by the freedom of the port. At present the value of goods import-
ed into St. Thomas may be set down at $5,000,000 ; probably half of
which are brought from England, a fifth from the United States and
British America, and the rest from France, Hamburg, Altona, Flensborg,
Bremen, Holland, etc. It is estimated that two-fifths of these imports
are sent to Porto Rico, and the remaining three-fifths to Santo Domingo,
Cuba, Venezuela, New Granada, Curapoa, and the Windward Islands.
In 1850 there arrived 2,196 vessels (235,843 tons) : this does not include
the British mail steamers, the tonnage of which entering amounts to
about 42,000 tons annually. St. Thomas was settled by the Danish
West India and Guinea Company in 1671. In 1775 the Company's
rights were conveyed to the king, who in 1764 threw open the port to
vessels of all nations. This policy, and the general neutrality observed
by Denmark in the wars of Europe, concurred in fostering its commerce,
although much is due to its admirable geographical position ] and accord-
ingly it became a chief market, and in time of war the only channel
through which the products of all the West India colonies could be safely
conveyed. A short interruption to its prosperity occurred in 1801, when
the island was given up to the British, who held it however for only
10 months. Early in 1802 it was restored to Denmark, and resumed
all its former activity. In 1804 and again in 1806 immense losses in
merchandise and other property were occasioned by fires in the town.
In 1807 St. Thomas was again, by capitulation, transferred to Great
Britain, and retained until April, 1815, when the Danes once more
became masters of the island.
Santa Cruz is the largest and most southern of the Virgin group, and
lies about 65 miles east-south-east from Porto Rico, in lat. 17° 42^ north,
and long. 64° 48'' west. The island has its greatest length east and
west, about 20 miles, and varies in breadth from 2 to 6 miles. It is gen-
erally flat, though a range of low heights follows the line of the north
shore, and is well watered and fertile. The climate is at all times un-
healthy; and hurricanes and earthquakes are frequent. About two-
fifths of the island are in sugar-cane plantations, and about one-half is
occupied with general crops, only a small portion remaining uncultivated.
The soil is not very rich, but tolerably fertile, yet owing to droughts the
crops are uncertain. On this account the sugar crop varies from 12,000
THE WEST INDIES — DANISH ISLANDS. 53
to 40,000 hogsheads. The cultivation of coifee, indigo, and cotton has
been generally abandoned for many years. Christianstadt and Frede-
richstadt are the principal towns — the first on the north and the latter on
the west of the island. Christianstadt is the capital and residence of the
governor-general. Its harbor is encumbered with many shoals, and dif-
ficult of access. On the whole the island is far less eligible for com-
merce than St. Thomas, but in resources more important. Santa Cruz
was discovered by Columbus on his second voyage. In 1643 the Dutch
made a settlement on it, but three years later were expelled by the
English. In 1650 the English were in their turn dislodged by the
Spaniards, who laid the island waste. In 1651 it was purchased for
the Knights of Malta, who sold it in 1664 to the French West India
Company, and in 1696 the Company's claims were sold to the Danes.
From this period it followed the fortunes of St. Thomas.
St. John or St. Jan is situate about 24 miles east from St. Thomas, in
lafc. ISO 18^ north, and long. 64° 49^ west. It is about 12 miles long by
4 miles broad, rising to a considerable height in the centre, and having
generally a very broken, uneven surface. The soil is indifferent, and
water scarce ', sugar and cotton are produced in small quantities, and
live-stock is also reared. On the south-east side a promontory forms
two coves, which are defended by a fort on the north point of the en-
trance, and another on Duck Island, close to the south point. This
promontory has a town called Christiansborg or the castle. The anchor-
age is good. St. John in its history is intimately connected with ot.
Thomas, and has generally belonged to the same masters.
These three islands, St. Thomas, Santa Cruz, and St. John, with their
dependencies, form together a single general government, and are gov-
erned as crown colonies by an appointee of the king of Denmark, who
resides at Christianstadt, on the island of Santa Cruz. The governor is
assisted by two councilors ; and in each island there is a burgher coun-
cil, which has cognizance over all purely municipal affairs. Justice is
administered according to the code of Charles V., together with the
rescripts of the crown, which constitute the law. The general revenue
for the year ending 31st March, 1851, amounted to $286,782 ; that of
Santa Cruz to $168,950, and that of St. Thomas and St. John to
$117,832. The aggregate expenditures for the three islands amounted
to $335,444. The municipal revenues are separate, and are adminis-
tered by the councils. The king derives a revenue, which does not
appear in the above summary, from the large number of the estates
which he holds in the islands.
54
THE WEST INDIES — GENERAL STATISTICS.
THE SWEDISH ISLAND.
The only colonial possession of Sweden in the West Indies is the island of
St. Bartholomew. This island belongs to the Leeward group, and is
situate centrally in lat. 17° 50^ north, and long. 62° 52^ west, distant
12 miles from St. Martin and about 30 from St. Christopher. It is about
8 miles long by from 2 to 3 miles wide, and contains an area of 25 square
miles. St. Bartholomew is of an irregular shape, and deeply indented
by numerous small sandy bays, separated by bold and steep rocky accliv-
ities of moderate height. In the interior it is hilly, but its loftiest ele-
vations nowhere exceed 1,000 feet above the sea. In most parts it is
barren, but has numerous well-cultivated valleys. The population is
estimated at about 8,000 or 9,000, of which about 7,000 are blacks and
colored persons. Of the whites, nearly one-half are of Irish descent, and
the remainder chi6fiy of French extraction. The affairs of the island
are administered by a royal governor. The only harbor is La Carenage,
a safe and commodious one, and much frequented. It is on the west
side of the island. Close by it is Gustavia, the principal town, a thriv-
ing place, and having considerable commerce with the neighboring
islands. St. Bartholomew was first settled in 1648 by the French. In
1689 it was taken by the English under Admiral Thornhill; but in
1697 was restored to France. In 1746 it was again taken by the En-
glish, and was once more given up under the treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle.
In 1785 it was finally ceded by France to Sweden, and has since con-
tinued subject to that power.
GENERAL STATISTICS OF THE WEST INDIES.
states and Colonies. Area, sq. m. Popula. Pop. to sq. m. Capitals.
Dominican Eepublic 17,609 136.500 7.7 Santo Domingo.
Hayti, Empire of 10,081 572.000 56.7 Cape Haytian.
Spanish Colonies 51,143 1,462,060 27.6 Habana.
British Colonies 15,759 835.344 53.2 Spanish Town.
French Colonies 1,013 276.453 276.3 Port Royal.
Dutch Colonies 869 28.497 77.2 Wilhelmstadt.
Danish Colonies 127 39.623 812.0 Christ! anstadt.
Swedish Colonies 25 9,000 860.0 Gustavia.
Total 96,126 3,859,477 84.9
— from the above account are omitted all the islands belonging to the
neighboring states, and a large number of islands, etc., not inhabited.
With these it is assumed that the aggregate area of the West Indies
would amount to 150^000 square miles, and the population to 3,500,000.
THE BERMUDAS OR SOMERS' ISLANDS.
The Bermudas, a group of islands in the Atlantic Ocean, 580 miles south-
east of Cape Hatteras, in North Carolina, and between latitudes 32° 14^
and 320 25^ north, and longitudes 64o 38^ and 64° 52^ west from Green-
wich, or 12° 10^ and 12° 24^ east from Washington, constitute an im-
portant colony and naval station of Great Britain. They lie south-west
to north-east, based on the edge of a bank stretching in the same direc-
tion 23 by 13 miles, but occupy only a space of about 18 by 6 miles,
though said to be about 365 in number. Area 19.4 square miles.
General Description. — Viewed from the sea, the Bermudas appear to
have but a trifling elevation compared with the bold and lofty aspect of
many of the West India Islands. The highest land, indeed, does not ex-
ceed 200 feet above the sea-level, and the surface is very irregular.
The principal islands (St. George's, Ireland, St. David's, Somerset, Paget,
Longbird, and Smith's), together with the minor islands, lie in such a
manner as to form several capacious and deep bays, which, however,
are difficult of ingress or egress. The island of St. George's, the mili-
tary station of the colony, about three miles long and at no part exceed-
ing half a mile wide, lies at the entrance of the only passage for ships
of burden. The harbor, the entrance to which is narrow, is said to
be one of the finest in the world, and is completely land-locked. The
naval dock-yard is situated at the west end of Ireland Island, and distant
about 15 miles from St. George's. This island is about one mile in
length, and perhaps a quarter broad, and is nearly all occupied by the
public buildings. Boaz Island, connected with this by a bridge com-
pleted in 1849, is the site of the convict establishment. These islands
are all strongly fortified, and where not, the reefs and rocks that lie in
their neighborhood certainly do away with the necessity of artificial
works. The Bermudas are, in fact, the Gibraltar of the West Indies.
On three sides, north, west, and south, they are inclosed by formidable
coral reefs and rocks, nearly all under water, and extending in some
parts 10 miles from the islands — the only reefs of this description occur-
ring in the whole expanse of the ocean.
Climate, Soil, etc. — The climate of these islands is delightful, a perpet-
ual spring clothing the fields and trees in perpetual verdure. Severe
+hunder-storms, however, frequently occur ] and when the south wind
56 THE BERMUDAS OR SOMERS' ISLANDS.
prevails, the atmosphere becomes charged with excessive humidity. The
soil is generally of a reddish brown color, and in some places, as at
Ireland Island, bearing strong marks of oxide of iron. Round the coasts
there are some districts with a strong tenacious blue clay ; in others a
micaceous kneadable brick earth, and again an argillaceous soil with
luxuriant pasturage. The cedar grows to a great height, and would
seem in many parts to spring from the bare rock. The palmetto is also
indigenous; and all the fruits and vegetables of the tropics thrive well.
Civil Divisions, etc, — The Bermudas are divided into nine parishes, the
extent and population of which are as follows :
Area, , Population. v
Parishes. acres. 1826. 1836. 1S43. 1851.
St. George's 1,580 1,101 1,478 1,607 1,891
Hamilton 1.651 751 855 991 1.094
Smith's i;281 434 459 442 514
Devonshire 1,281 594.. 622 729 784
Pembroke 1,281 1,656 1,691 2,079 2,235
Paget's 1,281 950 789 857.! 1,088
Warwick 1,281 932 944. A 895 983
Southampton..., 1.281 812 768 888 917
Sandys 1,507 1,221 1,261 1,482 1,636
Total , 12,424 8,470 8,S62 9,930 11,092
— of the population of 1851, the whites numbered 4,669 — 1,965 males,
and 2,704 females: and the colored 6,423—2,832 males, and 3,591 fe-
males. Neither the military nor the convicts are included.
Industry. — The labor of the inhabitants is employed chiefly in agricul-
ture, commerce, and the fisheries. The agricultural crops in 1850 con-
sisted of — sweet potatoes, 24,322 bushels; Irish potatoes, 24,94 6 bushels;
carrots, 4,346 bushels; turnips, 7,420 bushels; onions, 838,070 pounds;
garden vegetables, 256,136 pounds; tomatoes, 19,120 pounds; arrow-
root, 854,329 pounds; Indian corn, 924 bushels; rnd barley, 269 bush-
els, etc. The quantity of live-stock maintained is small, and dairy pro-
duce sufficient only for the wants of the inhabitants. In 1851 the colony
contained 259 horses, 5 mules, 31 asses, 1,643 horned cattle, and 227
sheep. Domestic fowls are abundant, especially ducks; and during the
summer numbers of turtle are taken. The adjoining seas are stored with
various kinds of fish ; and whales are occasionally taken between March
and June. Many small cedar vessels are built here; and another
important branch of industry is the plaiting of straw and mid-rib of the
palmetto. The principal articles of export are arrow-root, potatoes, and
onions. The value of imports for the year ending 5th January, 1851,
was $626,400, and of exports $95,808. The colony owned 42 vessels,
having a burden of 2,952 tons. The imports are chiefly supplies for the
army and naval forces stationed here, and for the convict establishment
• THE BERMUDAS OR SOMERS' ISLANDS. 57
on Boaz Island. Pbegular steam navigation is kept up between the Ber-
mudas, Halifax, N. S., New York, and the West Indies.
Government, Education, etc. — The Legislature consists of a governor,
council, and assembly. The Council is composed of eight members and
a president, nominated by the governor; and the House of Assembly of
36 members, returned by the nine tribes or parishes into which the island
is divided. The revenue for 1850 amounted to $60,624, and the ex-
penditures to $77,889; a parliamentary grant of $19,435, more than
covering the deficit. The military expenditure was $336,768. The
islands contain 9 churches, and 5 chapels for dissenters ; and with regard
to the inhabitants, 9,332 are members of the Church of England, 519
Presbyterians, 1,018 Wesleyan Methodists, 109 Roman Catholics, and
113 other religions. There are 24 public or free schools, principally
supported by different societies in England and by funds under the con-
trol of the bishop of Nova Scotia, in whose diocese the Bermudas are in-
cluded ; and besides these there are 25 private schools. The number of
convicts at the depots in 1850 was 1,566, and the cost of their main-
tenance for the year $166,056.
Public Works. — A small dock-yard, formerly maintained at St. George's,
has been removed to Ireland Island, on which large sums have been ex-
pended in order to render it a strong post for a naval and military depdt.
Between 1838 and 1848 there was spent in the public works upward of
$1,440,000, of which $753,600 was for a breakwater. The works in-
clude a steam-factory, a victualing office, store-houses, hospitals, work-
men's dwellings, etc. Besides those named, defensive works have been
constructed on St. George's, Main, Boaz, and Ireland islands, the cost of
which has been upward of $720,000 ; and a causeway, constructed by
convict labor, has been built to connect Walsingham and Longbird
islands. The ship channels have also been improved.
Towns. — There are in the Bermudas two towns, each of which has its
mayor and civic officers — St. George's, on the island of that name, and
Hamilton, on Bermuda Island. Both towns are well-built, of white stone.
St. George's^ which is the capital, is the liner of the two, and contains
a new government-house, jail, lunatic asylum, etc. There are also sev-
eral settlements or villages.
History. — In 1593 there was wrecked on these islands a French ship, on
board of which was one Henry May, who afterward wrote an account of
the Bermudas in English. In 1609 Sir George Somers was driven on
the islands in the course of a voyage to Virginia ; and on this account
the Virginia Company claimed them, and sold their right to a company of
58 BELIZE OR BRITISH HONDURAS.
120 persons, who. having obtained a charter from the king in 1612, sent
out 60 settlers with a governor. The colony settled on George's Island.
In 1619, the islands having become famous for their beauty and salu-
brity, many of the nobility purchased plantations, and their cultivation
was much encouraged. The number of white inhabitants at this time
amounted to about 1,000. On the 1st August, 1620, the General Assem-
bly was instituted, and for many years hence the islands prospered.
During the civil wars many persons of character and opulence took ref-
uge in the Bermudas, and the population rapidly increased, and is sup-
posed to have been about 10,000. These islands have always remained
in possession of the British, though toward the close of the American
Revolution, Washington had an eye to their capture to make them a
station for war vessels for the annoyance of the West India trade, as the
islands lie in the homeward-bound track. At the present time their chief
importance is their fine location and adaptedness for military purposes.
THE COLOITY OF BELIZE;
BRITISH HONDURAS.
British Honduras lies between latitudes 15° 54^ and 18° 30^ north, and
longitudes 87° 56^ and 90° 12^ west from Greenwich, or 10° 54^ and
130 10'' from Washington. It is separated from Yucatan by the Rio
Hondo, and its southern boundary is formed by the Sarstoon, which falls
into the Gulf of Honduras. Length, north and south, about 175 miles,
and breadth, east and west, about 112 miles • area, 18,600 square miles.
General Description. — Excepting the rivers forming the boundaries north
and south, the only others of consequence are the Belize, which trav-
erses the territory from south-west to north-east, dividing it into two
somewhat equal parts, and the New River, which, rising in New River
Lake, flows in a course nearly parallel to the Belize, till it reaches the
BELIZE OR BRITISH HONDURAS. 59
Caribbean Sea, a few miles south of the Hondo. The rivers are navi-
gable for 20 to 30 miles from their mouths, but higher up are inter-
rupted by rapids and falls. The country north of the Belize, and trav-
ersed by the New River, is low and level, and toward the coast swampy,
and interspersed with several lakes. East of the New River, however,
is a range of hills stretching from north-east to south-west, and joining
on to the mountains of Guatemala. South of the Belize the country,
though also swampy on the coast, rises inland much moire rapidly, and
may be generally described as mountainous. It is intersected by a
ridge parallel to that of the New River, and also connecting with the
Guatemala system of mountains — the east part, both north and south of
this ridge, being covered by its lateral branches. The mountains and
the wide valleys between fhem are clothed with extensive forests of the
finest timber, including cedars, pines, ironwood, logwood, braziletto,
mahogany, and cabbage and silk-cotton trees. The shores are lined
with numerous islands or coral keys, and covered with cocoa-nut trees
and bushes. The largest are Ambergris Key, toward the north, and
TurnefF, opposite the town of Belize. These two keys consist of clus-
ters of several small islands, divided by narrow creeks and lagoons.
The shores of the continent are rocky, but low, except toward the south,
where they are higher, and intersected by ravines.
Climate, Soil, Products, etc. — The climate, especially during the wet
season, is considered more favorable to health than that of any of the
West India Islands. The mean annual temperature is about 80° Fahr.,
but the heat is seldom oppressive from the beginning of July to the be-
ginning of April, being tempered by refreshing sea-breezes ; but during
April, May, and June it is excessive, though mitigated occasionally by
violent thunder-storms. The most rainy months are July, August, and
September. The cultivable portions of the soil are extremely fertile, pro-
ducing readily all kinds of tropical vegetation, of which plantains, yams,
mandioca, and Indian corn are grown, and also arrow-root and rice to a
small extent. Sugar, coffee, cotton, and indigo might also be raised, but
are neglected. Sarsaparilla is collected in the southern districts. The
wild animals are those usual to tropical America — ounces, panthers,
tapirs, deer, peccaries, agouties, armadilloes, and monkeys. Manatis
and alligators frequent the lagoons ; birds, aquatic and land, abound, and
fish, turtle, lobsters, and shell-fish are plentiful and of excellent quality.
The minerals of the country are as yet unsought : but as gold has been
found in the beds of the rivers, there seems to be no question of its
existence in the mountains. Iron, copper, etc., are said to be abundant.
60 BELIZE OR BEITISH HONDURAS.
Population, Industry, etc. — According to the statements of 1845, the
colony contained 10,709 inhabitants, viz., whites 399 — males 240, and
females 159; and colored 10,410 — males 6,755, and females 2,655. The
negroes were originally brought into the country as slaves, but have long
since obtained their freedom. The white inhabitants are exclusively occu-
pied in commerce, and the negroes in cutting mahogany and dye-woods
and in fishing. A few of them cultivate small patches of ground. Cat-
tle, sheep, and goats are kept, but are not sufficiently numerous, and the
deficiency is supplemented from Trujillo and Omoa. The exports in
1847 consisted of 6,502,777 feet mahogany — the staple article of the
country, 10,337 feet cedar, 3,223 tons logwood, 206 tons rosewood, 5,684
seroons cochineal, 611 seroons indigo, 53,689 pounds sarsaparilla, 1,299
hides, 45 pounds tortoise-shell, with small quantities of lignum- vitee and
tobacco. The chief imports from the United Kingdom are dry goods and
fancy articles for the Belize and Spanish America markets ; wine, spir-"
its, gunpowder, and occasionally provisions ; and from the United States
provisions, shingles, and sawed lumber.
Government, etc. — The government is administered by a superintendent
nominated by the crown, and seven magistrates who form a council, and
are elected annually by the inhabitants. The supreme judicial author-
ity resides in a supreme court ; and there are several inferior courts.
The laws of England are generally applicable throughout the colony.
Education claims a fair share of consideration, and there are good
schools in Belize open to all classes. The colony, formerly subsidiary
to Jamaica, has lately been constituted a separate government.
Capital. — Belize^ the capital, is the only town in the colony, and is situate
at the mouth of the river of the same name, which is here crossed by a
substantial wooden bridge. Lat. 17° 29^ 18^^ north, and long. 88° 12^
west. It consists of a long street, running parallel to the sea-shore, from
which three or four streets diverge. The houses are constructed entirely
of wood, and are raised 8 or 10 feet from the ground on pillars of mahog-
any, and are well-built, spacious, and convenient. The town seems
almost entirely inhabited by blacks. They are described by Stephens as a
fine-looking race, tall, straight, and athletic, and well-dressed — the men
in white cotton shirts and trowsers, with straw hats, and the women in
white short-sleeved frocks and adorned with ear-rings and necklaces.
During the dry season fresh water is very scarce here, and, indeed,
throughout the settlement, there being no rivulets, and the water of the
river being brackish for several miles above the town. The consequence
is that the inhabitants at this season are compelled to have recourse to
BELIZE OE BRITISH HONDURAS. 61
wells about three feet in depth, from -which they procure a muddy,
brackish, and fetid water, injurious to health, and productive of a variety
of disorders. Efforts are now being made to remedy the evil both by
the government and the European public at Belize ; and considerable
sums have already been expended in sinking wells. An iron market-
house has recently been erected in the town, costing about $20,000.
There are also a public hospital, a dispensary for the relief of the poor,
an asylum for lunatics, and a grammar-school, conducted on the Madras
system, and which was attended in 1847 by 102 pupils. This school,
which is entirely supported by government, has likewise a female de-
partment. A savings' bank has also been established under guarantee
of the local legislature. The Baptists and Wesleyans have chapels
here with schools connected, the former one and the latter two. There
are five judicial courts in Belize — the court of ordinary^ and the supreme,
grand, summary, and police courts. It is also the seat of the Honduras
Legislature. The anchorage in front of the town is excellent, being
protected from the heavy swells of the open sea by numerous quays,
but is adapted for vessels of moderate size only. Population about
3,000. At PunLa Grande, about 150 miles south of Belize, there is a
settlement of Caribs numbering about 500 souls. They were formerly
natives of the sea-coast below Trujillo, but having taken part against
Morazan, they fled to this place for safety.
ISTORY. — Belize, called also British Honduras, is geographically a part
of the peninsula of Yucatan. It was transferred by Spain to England
by treaty, in 1670, but at different times its occupation was contested
by the Spaniards till 1798, since which period it has remained quietly
in the possession of Great Britain. The settlement is said to have ob-
tained its name from a noted buccaneer called Wallace, by whom it
was first discovered. The name was written Waliz by the Spaniards,
and subsequently further corrupted into Balize or Belize, as it now stands.
THE COLONY OF THE BAY ISLANDS.
The Bay Islands consist of a group situate in the Bay of Honduras, and
are severally known as Roatan, Bonaca, Utilla, Barbarat, Helene, and
Morat. Geographically they belong to the State of Honduras, being
located immediately on its coast, and only about 20 or 30 miles north of
Trujillo, its principal port, and until lately have been in its actual pos-
session politically.
Roatan, the largest of the islands, is 30 miles long and 9 miles broad, has
62 BELIZE OR BRITISH HONDURAS.
a fine soil, healthful climate, a plentiful supply of good water, and, fur-
thermore, tv.^0 excellent harbors, each capable of containing a fleet. It
may be considered, says Alcedo, as the key of the Bay of Honduras, and
the focus of the trade of the neighboring countries. This beautiful
island, says MacGregor, has an excellent harbor, easily defended, and is
well adapted to the culture of cotton, coffee, and other tropical products ;
and, Capt. Mitchell says, the local position of the island seems one of
importance in a commercial, and, perhaps, in a political point of view.
It is the only place where good harbors are found on an extensive and
dangerous coast. Near this island are the others above refered to, and
which together have an area estimated at about 600 square miles.
History. — On the I7th July, 1852, the superintendent of Belize, in the
name of the queen, proclaimed these islands to constitute and be a Brit-
ish colony, to be known and designated as the Colony of the Bay Islands ;
and thus Honduras, after a series of aggressions, was virtually despoiled
of its legitimate territory. The main points in their antecedent history
are these : Bonaca, then called Guanaja, was discovered in 1502 by
Columbus, who took possession of it on behalf of Spain, and in like man-
ner he took possession of Roatan. Spain remained in undisputed occu-
pancy until the days of the buccaneers ; and it can readily be supposed
that Roatan, with its safe and excellent harbor, fine climate, and
abundant supplies, could not long escape the attention of these rovers.
A descent was made on it in 1642 by this fraternity, and at the same
time Bonaca and the neighboring islands were captured. These posi-
tions, says the historian Juarros, were exceedingly advantageous to them,
and proportionately injurious to the Spaniards, because, being near the
mainland, the English (buccaneers) were enabled to make their descents
whenever they pleased, and with equal facility intercept the commerce
between the kingdom of Guatemala and Spain. The annoyance from
this source finally became so serious that an expedition from Havana
was fitted out to expel them from this stronghold. The expedition con-
sisted of four ships of war under Villalva y Toledo, who endeavored to
surprise the buccaneers, but finding the harbors fortified, steered for the
main for reinforcements. He subsequently returned, and in the month
of March, 1650, after some hard fighting, succeeded in driving them
from the island. The Spanish regained possession only to find it a waste.
The few natives that the buccaneers had spared and reduced to slavery
were too fearful of their return to remain, and emigrated to the main,
where the government allotted them lands. The island, thus abandoned,
seems to have remained deserted until 1742, when the English enter-
BELIZE OR BRITISH HONDURAS.
tained and attempted the project of obtaining possession of the whole of
the Atlantic coast of Central America. In furtherance of this plan they
forcibly seized upon several important points of the mainland, captured
Trujillo, and erected forts at the mouth of Black River. They also
occupied Roatan, and fortified it with materials carried off from Hon-
duras. These events, in conjunction with others, led to a war with
Spain, which lasted until 1763, vrhen a treaty was concluded, the 17th
article of which provided that all fortifications erected by the British in
the Bay of Honduras should be demolished within four months, etc. The
■ forts at Black River and other places were accordingly evacuated in
1664; but in violation of the treaty the occupation of Roatan was con-
tinued. In 1780 Spain again declared war against England, and the
authorities of Guatemala succeeded in expelling the English. The treaty
of peace of 1783, with a special reference to these islands, provided not
only that the English should abandon the continent (except Belize), but
all islands whatever depending on it ; and in the supplemental treaty
of 1786 it was provided that the English should " evacuate the country
of the Mosquitos, as well as the continent in general and the islands ad-
jacent, without exception. Not finding any means of evading this pro-
vision, England did really abandon, not only these islands, but the whole
coast. The provisions of this treaty were suspended by the war of 1796,
when England, still hankering after these valuable islands, again occu-
pied them, and constituted them the penal settlements of the much injured
natives whom their cruel rapacity had spared in St. Vincent and the
other Leeward Islands. Two thousand of these were located upon Roa-
tan, but as soon as the invasion became known in the capital of Guate-
mala, their subjugation was ordered. Accordingly an expedition was
sent to the island, which, on the I7th May, 1797, quietly surrendered.
This seems to have been the final attempt of the English during this
century forcibly to seize upon these islands, which thenceforward re-
mained in the undisputed possession of the Spanish crown. A new
treaty was made Aug. 28th, 1814, into which the stringent provisions
of the treaty of 1786 were incorporated, word for word; and this last
was in full force when the Central American provinces threw ofi" their
allegiance to Spain. Up to that time, therefore, England had acquired
no shadow of a title to these islands. Passing from Spain they naturally
lapsed to the republican authorities of the new government, and all the
rights of sovereignty belonged to it alone. This state of things contin-
ued until 1830, in which year the British superintendent of Belize made
a descent on Roatan and seized it on behalf of the British crown. At
64 BELIZE OR BRITISH HONDURAS.
this time the States of Central America were united, and not to be out-
raged. They remonstrated, and the British government solemnly dis-
avowed the act of their agent, and the islands were abandoned by the
invaders. From this time until 1841 the islands appear to have remain-
ed in the occupation of Honduras, to which province they were politi-
cally attached; but again in that year, disregarding the facts of 1830,
the superintendent of Belize, proceeding in the sloop-of-war Rover to
Roatan, and meeting with no resistance from the small garrison stationed
there, hauled down the flag of the republic and hoisted that of Great
Britain in its stead. Thas, in the time of peace with Honduras, the
island was again forcibly seized. The Central Republic had been dis-
solved since 1830, and the State of Honduras alone was too feeble to
make effectual resistance, but protested energetically ; yet its communi-
cations to the British government appear to have been unanswered.
Subsequently, however, the actions of the superintendent were stated to
have been in accordance with the orders of the home authorities, and
severe punishment was threatened if the government of Honduras should
thenceforward exercise or assume to exercise authority in Roatan. In the
meanwhile a number of negroes from the Cayman Islands established
themselves on the islands. For some time they appear to have been
without any form of government, but with the increase of inhabitants
they organized a kind of council and elected its members from among
themselves. These islanders were British subjects, and hence there ap-
peared some kind of pretext for Britain assuming the control and author-
ity of the islands. Early in 1851. a plan having been matured, and the
islanders having been properly instructed, they applied to the superin-
tendent " to establish a regular form of government in the islands."
How far this " application" was brought about by the English agents it
is not necessary to inquire ; but it is certain that in the following August
Roatan, etc., were declared attached to the superintendency of Belize.
It was not, however, until the next year that the affair was fully con-
summated by the proclamation quoted at the commencement of this
history.
6UAYANA.
Astronomical Position. — Between latitudes 8° 40^ north and 3° 30^
south, and longitudes 50° 22^ and 68° 10^ west from "Greenwich, or
8o 52^ and 26° 40^ east from Washington.
Boundaries. — Northern: the Orinoco River and Atlantic Ocean; — east-
ern: the Atlantic Ocean ; — southern: the River Amazon and Rio Negro ;
and — western: the Orinoco River and the canal of Cassiquiare.
Dimensions. — The greatest length, east and west, is about 1,200 miles,
and the greatest breadth, north and south, about 850 miles. The area
may. be computed at 700,000 square miles.
Political Divisions. — This vast territory, extending along the coast from
the mouth of the Oronoco to the mouth of the Amazon, and extending
inland as far as the natural canal of Cassiquiare, is divided into Brazil-
ian and Venezuelan Guayana, and into colonial Guayana, the latter
belonging to Great Britain, Holland, and France. The colonial division
alone, however, is now recognized under this name, and so distinguished
on the map — the other two being absorbed by their respective countries.
The three colonies alluded to are maritime territories, lying contiguous
to each other from west to east, in the order in which they are named.
Physical Aspect. — The whole surface of the coast-lands is on a level
with the sea, and hence, when brought into cultivation, have to be em-
banked and drained by sluices and dams. Shallows and muddy banks
stretch along the whole line, and run several miles into the water. The
level country extends from 10 to 40 miles inland, when it is arrested by
sand hills. Behind these the highland stretches out in level or undu-
lating plains, rising here and there into eminences. Notwithstanding
the general flatness of the country toward the coast, the interior is trav-.
ersed in various directions by chains of mountains, few of which, how-
ever are of any great height. The principal rivers of the country are
the Amicuri, Essequibo, Deraerara, Berbice, Corentyn, Surinam, Sar-
amacca, Coppename, Maroni, Mana, Sinnamary, Oyak, and Oyapok, all
flowing from south to north, and emptying into the Atlantic. The cli-
mate is moist, and on the coast extremely unhealthy. The soil is in
general fertile, and vegetation singularly vigorous and luxuriant. Its
66 GUAYANA.
forest trees, which cover about one-half the surface, are of the most
magnificent description. Fruit trees of various kinds abound — the pine-
apple, guava, etc., and among medicinal plants are noted ipecacuanha,
gentian, and many others. Cultivation is chiefly limited to sugar, coffee,
yams, cassava, plantains, bananas, maize, etc. In the forests, dye-woods,
cochineal, gum copal, and a multitude of other valuable and unknown
vegetable productions abound. The flora is rich and varied. The wild
animals are those of tropical South America generally. The aborigines,
consisting of the Arrawaks, Accawai, Carabisce, Warrows, Macusies,
and Wapisianas, are still numerous, and in general live in a savage state.
British Guayana.
British Guayana extends along the coast from the Amicuri to the Coren-
tyn, and consists of the three following districts :
, ^Population 1850. ,
Districts. Area, sq. m. Eural. Urban. Total. Chief Towns.
Essequibo 44.000 22,925 — 22,925 ) G^oRflT-TowN
Demerara 27,000 50,259 25,508 75,76T f trEOEGETOWN.
Berbice 25,000 24,370 4,633 29,003 New Amsterdam.
Total 96,000 97,554 30,141 127,695
— of the total population 86,451 are natives of the country.
Products, Commerce, etc. — Sugar, rum, cofiee, molasses, and hardwoods
form the principal articles of export. In 1851 the value of exports was
$4,152,638, and that of imports $4,106,011. A brisk trade in cattle
from the Oronoco is also carried on. The foreign trade is chiefly with
England and the United States.
Government, etc. — British Guayana is administered by a governor ap-
pointed by the crown and a court of policy, consisting of ten members —
five official and five non-official members. The expenditures of the colony
in 1851 amounted to $928,094, and the revenue produced $974,409.
Towns. — Georgetown^ the capital, at the mouth of Demerara River, is a
Dutch-built town, and is intersected with canals. It has numerous
public buildings, and its port, which has 17 feet anchorage, is well de-
fended by Fort Frederic William. Population 25,508, of which four-
fifths are negroes. New Amsterdam, at the mouth of Berbice River,
extends for a mile and a half along its east bank. Like Georgetown, it
is intersected by canals, and each residence is separated by a trench or
ditch, filled and emptied by the tide. It has commodious wharfs and
warehouses, and the entrance to the river is defended by three strong
batteries. Small vessels only can enter the harbor. Population 4,633.
These towns are chiefly engaged in commerce.
GUAYANA. 67
History.— 'Guayana was discovered by Vasco Nunez in 1504, and in 1558
the Dutch made their first settlement on the Pomeroon. It was sub,se-
quently, at several periods, seized upon by the British, and from 1803
that nation retained its present territory.
Dutch Guayana, or Surinam.
Dutch Guayana extends along the coast from the Corentyn to the Maroni,
and contains 59,765 square miles.
Population, etc. — At the close of 1850 the colony contained 61,080 in-
habitants, of whom 12,401 were Europeans and Creoles, 8,000 bush
negroes, 1,000 Indians, and 39,679 slaves. Of religious sects, the Mora-
vians numbered 17,933 members. Schools 15 — scholars about 1,200.
Productive Industry. — On 273 plantations, consisting of 366,548 acres.
48,815 were under cultivation. The staples produced in 1851 were
sugar, rum, molasses, coffee, cocoa, and cotton, together valued at
Si, 243, 310. The live-stock consisted of — horses 168, mules 59, horned
cattle 5,564, sheep 3,115, goats 454, and hogs 4,664. Surinam in 1851
was visited by 246 vessels; imports $835,025, and exports $1,150,841.
The trade is chiefly with Holland. There is a line of mail steamers
between Paramaribo and Demerara.
Government. — The colony is ruled by a governor, appointed by the crown,
and a council, elected by the freeholders. Justice is administered by a
supreme court, courts of minor jurisdiction, and a court of inheritance and
orphans. The receipts into the treasury in 1850 amounted to $436,072,
and the disbursements to $416,959. • The slaves of this colony were
emancipated in 1851, but remain as indentured apprentices for 12 years,
and work without pay. The army consists of 610 men of all arms, and
the navy of 11 vessels, chiefly small.
Chief Town. — Paramariho^ the capital, is situate on the right bank of the
Surinam, about 10 miles from its mouth. A little north from the town
is the fort of Zeelandia, where the governor resides, and where also most
of the government establishments are situate. Paramaribo has a mili-
tary and civil hospital, and a charitable society. New Amsterdam is
the principal port. Batavia, Orange, and Fredenhurg are on the coast,
and Wilhelmsburg^ Magdenhurg, and Jews^ Town in the interior.
History. — The first settlements were made by the Dutch in 1580, on the
Pomeroon. The colony rapidly spread eastward over Demerara and
Essequibo. In 1781, 1796, and 1803 it was taken by the British, and
from the latter period only the present restricted territory has been held
by the Dutch authorities.
GUAYANA.
French Guayana, or Cayenne.
French Guayana occupies the most easterly portion of colonial Guayana,
its coast-line extending from the Maroni to the Oyapok — a distance of
200 miles. The territory comprises the island of Cayenne, celebrated
for the description of pepper having that name. Area 22,500 sq. miles.
Divisions, Population, etc. — The colony is divided into two districts —
Cayenne and Sinnamary, and 14 communes. In 1851 the population
amounted to 22,010, of which 14,997 were negroes.
Productive Industry. — In addition to the staples of the British and Dutch
colonies, French Gu-yana produces pepper, cloves, cinnamon, and nut-
megs. The annual value of imports and exports is between $2,500,000
and $3,000,000. Trade is chiefly with France and her colonies.
Government. — The government is vested in a governor, assisted by a
privy council and colonial council of 16 members, elected by the colo-
nists. The expenses of the government are about $600,000 a year.
Chief Town. — Cayenne^ on the island of the same name, is capital of the
colony. The harbor is shallow, but otherwise good. It is protected by
a fort and several batteries. The government house is in the old town,
a miserable district ; the new town has good streets, is well built, and
has several storage warehouses. Population about 5,000. Sinnamary,
Oyapok, etc., are comparatively small settlements on the mainland.
History. — The French first settled Cayenne in 1604. In 1763 the gov-
ernment sent out 12, Co./ emigrants, but these mostly perished. The
British and Portuguese captured the colony in 1809, but restored it to
France in 1814, with whom it still remains. Its population in 1851
was largely augmented by the transportation of political offenders.
1
CATALOGUE
OF
MAPS, CHARTS, BOOKS, ETC.,
PUBLISHED BY
J. H. COLTON & CO.,
JrO. 172 WILLIAM-STREET, COENEB, OF BEEKMAN
LLlustTated and EmlDellislied Steel-Plate
MAP OF THE WORLD,
On Mercator's Projection, exhibiting tlie recent Arctic
and Antarctic Discoveries and Explorations, &c. &c.
6 sheets. Size, SO by 60 inches.
Price, mounted, $13 00.
This splendid and highly-finished map is the largest and most accuj-ate
work of the kind ever published. It exhibits a full resume of all geo-
graphical knowledge, and shows at one view, not only the world as it
now is, in all its natural and political relations, but also the progress of
discovery from the earliest ages. In its compilation, every facility has
been rendered by the liberality of our own government in furnishing
published and private maps and documents ; and also by the govern-
ments of Europe, especially those of France and England, whose rich
stores of geographical works have elicited much, that until the present
publication has been as a sealed letter. As a work of art, it excels all
its predecessors, and is as ornamental as useful. It is beautifully colored,
and mounted in the handsomest style.
MAP OF THE WORLD,
On Mercator's Projection, exhibiting the recent Arctic
and Antarctic Discoveries and Explorations, &:c. «&c«
2 sheets. Size, 44 by 36 inches.
Price, mounted, $4 00.
This work is reduced from the large map, and contains all the moro
Important featiu-es of that publication. It has been constructed with
especial reference to commercial utility ; the ports, lines .of travel, inte-
rior trading towns and posts, &c., being accurately laid down. An im-
portant feature in this map is the transposition of tlie continents so as to
give America i central position, and exhibit the Atlantic and Pacific
ocea.'us in their entirety. The map is engraved on steel, highly embol-
lishidd, and mounted in the best style. As a medium sized map, it con-
tains much more than the usual amount of information. ' .
2 MAPS, CHARTS, BOOKS, ETC.,
MAP OF THE WORLD,
On Mercator's projection, &c. 1 sheet. Size, 28 by 23
inches. Price, mounted, $1 50.
Thia is a beautifully got up map, and, from the closeness of its infor-
mation, contains aa much as the generality of maps twice its size. It is
well adapted for the use of those who do not require the detail ol
topography, which is the peculiar featiu-e in the larger maps. As a
companion to the student of general history it is, perhaps, prefer-
able to any other, as it is compact and easy of reference. The pro-
gress of discovery, from the times of Columbus to the present day, ia
fully exhibited ; and especial care has been taken to show distinctly the
recent explorations in the Arctic and Autai-ctic regions.
MISSIONARY MAP OF THE WORLD,
On a hemispherical projection, each hemisphere being
six feet in diameter, and both printed on one piece ot
cloth at one impression. Size, 160 by SO inches.
Price, $10 00.
MAP OF NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA,
"With enlarged plans of the fsthnius of Panama —
the ffsthnius of Tehuantepec — and the Nicaragua
Route, sho-vring the projected and completed lines
of inter-oceanic communication — also plans of the
Bermuda Islands — the Bffarbor of San Juan de
Nicaragua — and the Cities of Rio de Janeiro,
Panama, and AspiniTall City. Also tables of dis>
tances from the principal ports of the United
States to all parts of the tTorld, etc. 2 Sheets.
Size, 45 by 52 inches. Price, mounted, $5 00.
This map is beautifully ensraved on steel plates, and is colored and
mounted in superior style. Of the Americas together, it is by far the
most complete and reliable of any map extant. It exhibits the larger
portion of the Pacific, with its groups of islands, and nearly all of the
Atlantic Ocean, with the western coasts of Africa and Europe, the tracks
of navigators, etc
MAP OF INORTH AMERICA,
Compiled from the latest authorities. 1 sheet. Size,
89 by 26 inches.
Price, mounted, $1 50; in cases, $0 75*
PUBLISHED BY J. H. COLTON. 3
TOPOGRAPHICAL MAP OF THE WEST INDIES,
With the acyacent coastji : compiled from the latest au-
thorities. 1 sheet. Size, 32 by 25 inches.
Price, mounted, $1 50 ; in cases, $0 75*
MAP OF SOUTH AMERICA,
Carefully compiled from the latest maps and charts and
other geographical publications. 2 sheets. Size, 44
by 31 inches. Price, mounted, $4 00.
This is the largest and best map of South America ever issued in thia
countiy, and the only one available for commercial puiposes. It is also
an excellent school map.
MAP OF SOUTH AMERICA,
Compiled from the latest authoiities, and accompanied
with statistical tables of the area, population, &e., of
the several states. 1 sheet. Size, 32 by 25 inches.
Price, mounted, $1 50.
MAP OF EUROPE,
Carefully compiled from the latest maps and charts,
a.nd other geographical publications. 4 sheets. Size,
58 by 44 inches. Price, mounted, $6 00.
The best map of Europe extant, exhibiting the topography and polit-
ical condition of that continent with great accuracy. It is an excellent
map for schools as well as for the merchant's office.
Compiled from the laiesc authorities, &c., with statia-
tical tables exhibiting the area, population, form of
government, religion, «&;c., of each state. 1 sheet.
Siz«, 32 by 25 inches. Price, mounted, ^1 50.
MAP OF ASIA,
Carefully compiled from the latest maps and charts^
and other geographical publications. 4 sheets. Size,
58 by 44 inches. Price, mounted, ^S 00.
This map is the largest and most accurate ever issued in Americai
md contains all the most recent determinations in BriJish Indiji, &.C.
4: MAPS, CHARTS, BOOKS, ETC.,
It is indispensably necessary to merchants trading with Chinti, India,
fcc., and must be especially valnable at the present time, when our con-
nection with those countries is daily becoming more intimate. Nor is
it leaa valuable for seminaries of leai-ning.
MAP OF ASIA,
Compiled from tlie most recent authorities, together
■with statistical tables of the area, population, &c., of
each state* 1 sheet. Size, 32 by 25 inches.
Price, mounted, $1 50.
MAP OF AFRICA,
Carefully compiled from tlie latest maps and charts,
and other geographical publications. 4 sheets. Size,
58 by 44 inches. Price, mounted, $6 00.
The largest and most accurate map of Africa ever published m the
United States. It exhibits the most recent discoveries of travellers —
the new political divisions on the north and west coasts and in South-
ern Africa, &c., &c. As an oiEce or school map it has no superior.
MAP OF AFRICA,
Compiled from the latest authorities, and accompanied
with statistical tables of the area, population, &c., of
each state. 1 sheet. Size, 32 by 25 inches.
Price, mounted, $1 50
MAP OF THE UNITED STATES,
THE BEITISH PEOnNCES, MEXICO, AND THE WEST INDIES.
ShoTTing the country from the Atlantic to the Pacific
ocean. 4 slieets. Size, 62 by 55 inches.
Price, S6 00.
Extraordinary exertions have been employed to make this map perfect-
ly reliable and authentic in all respects. It is the only large map tliat ex-
hibits the United States in its full extent. Being- engraved on steel, and
Handsomely mounted, it forms not only a useful, but highly ornamental
addition to the office, library, or hall. All the railroads, canals, and post-
roads, with distances from, place to place, are accurately laid down. To
maie the map more generally useful, the publisher has appended to it a
map of Central America and the Isthmus of Panama, and also a plan ex •
hibiting the inter-oceanic railroad, &c. It deserves to take precedence o
all maps heretofore published in this country.
POBLISHED BY J. H. COLTON.
MAP OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE CANADAS;
Showing the base, meridian, and township lines of the
United States surveys ; the lines of counties, districts,
and parishes ; the location of cities, villages, and post-
offlces; all railroads, canals, post and other roads; also
the district and town lines of the Canadas— the whole
being compiled from the latest surveys and other authen-
tic sources. 9 sheets. Size, 82 by 68 inches.
Price, mounted, or in portable form, $13.00.
OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.
" As a work of mere art, it is exceedingly beautiful ; but as an accurate
and faithful delineation of the country, in all its aspects, geographical and
political, it is entitled to the very highest praise. The map is six feet by
seven, projected on a scale of twenty-tour miles to the inch ; showing, with
the utmost accuracy, not only the general, but minute features ofthe whole
Country. Every state, county, and township, within our whole broad ter-
ritory, is designated by boundary lines — the courses of rivers and streams,
canals, railroads, stage and post roads, the position of cities, tovinis, vil-
lages and hamlets, lakes and mountains, are laid down — every county being
colored separately. The meridian and township lines of the United States
survevs, and indeed all the topographical minutife ever found on maps, is
here displayed. So far as the ornamental portion of this great work is con-
cerned, we repeat that it is superior to any thing we nave seen. It is
splendidly bordered by scroll-work, and by the introduction, at proper
places, of fou-rteen of the most important cities of the United States:
among which, New York and New Orleans are most conspicuous, and
upon a larger scale. Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, and
Charleston, are very accurately represented, and beautifully engraved, as
is the case with all the rest, Cincinnati, Louisville, St. Louis, &c., &c.
These views, it seems to us, are worth half the price of the whole work,
as specimens of our rapid improvement in the arts. However, it is to the
utilitarian portion of the map, that we wish particularly to call the atten-
tion of the public. In this respect, it is invaluable."
New York Courier and Enquirer.
" This noble map is six feet by seven, projected on a scale of twenty-four
miles to the inch, and is certified on the map by Mr. Steige'r, the principal
Clerk of Sui-veys at Washington, that it embraces all surveys made by the
United States, from the Atlantic ocean to the American Desert", or to the
32d degree of west longitude. It would seem to be authority on all boun-
dary questions, from national to township lines. This map is particularly
valuable for its correctness in regard to the Western and Southern States
and Tern ories. The base, meridian, and township lines of the United
States sui veys are given ; and those owuing lands in any part of our
country, witli the map before them, may put thejr finger upon any section,
and see the streams, lakes, swamps, &c., portrayed from actual survey. In
addition to the United States, the map contains a representation of the
Canadas, ami North and Central America, a desirable improvement upon
the shadowy outlines heretofore given. The countries set apart by the
United States for the use of the different Indian tribes, and their names,
are also given. As a work of art, this map is unquestionably a liigfi
achievement. It is wholly en^^raved on steel, is splendidly bordered by
scroll-work, with the introduction, at proper places, of vignettes of cities
among which New Orleans and New York are most conspicuous, and
embraces a fine view of our National and State emblems.''
New Orleans Commercial Bulletin
§ PUBLISHED BY J. H. C O L T 0 N .
MAP OF THE UNITED STATES,
THE BRITISH PROYINCES. MEXICO. THE WEST INDIES, AND
CENTRAL MfERICA, WITH PARTS OP NEW
GRENADA AND VENEZUELA,
ExMbiting the country from the Atlantic to the Pacific,
and from 50° N. lat. to the Isthmus of Panama and
the Oronoco river. 3 sheets. Size, 45 by 36 inches.
Price, mounted, $3 00; in cases, $1 50.
The vast extent of country embraced in this map, and the importance
of the territories portrayed, render it one of the most useful to the mer-
chant and all others connected with or interested in the onward pro-
gress of the United States. It is peculiarly adapted to the present times,
Bhowing, as it does, the whole sphere of American steam navigation on
both sides of the continent, and giving the best delineations extant of
our new territories on the Pacific. All the railroads and canals ai-e laid
down with accuracy. There is also appended to the map a diagram of
the Atlantic ocean, in reference to steam communication between Eu-
rope and America ; and a detailed plan of the Isthmus of Panama, show-
ing the several lines of inter-oceanic intercourse. The map is engraved
on steel and highly embellished.
THE STATE OF ARKANSAS.
COLTON'S NEW TOWNSHIP ilAP OF ARKANSAS.
Compiled from the United States Surveys, and other au-
thentic sources. By D. F. Shall. Size, 30 by 35 inches.
Price, mounted, $3 00; pocket, $1 00,
This is the best map of this state published — its correctness being cer-
tified by various government and state officers.
MAP OF THE STATE OF INEW YORK,
WITH PARTS OP THE ADJACENT COUNTRY,
Embracing plans of the principal cities and some of the
larger villages. By David H. Burr. 6 sheets. Size,
60 by 50 inches. Price, mounted, $6 00.
This is the largest and best map of the state in the market, and ex-
hibits accurately all the county and township lines; all internal im-
provements, and the position of cities, villages, &c.' A new edition,
embi-acing all the alterations made by the state legislature, is issued as
early aa possible after the close of each session annually, so that tb«
public may rely on its completeness at the date of issue.
1*
MAPS, CHARTS, BOOKS, ETC. 7
MAP OF THE {STATES OF INEW ENGLAND AND N. YORK,
With parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, tlie Canadas^
&;e., sho-wing the railroads, canals, and stage-roads,
^with distances from place to place, 1 sheet. Size, 30
by 23 inches. Price, mounted, ^1 25.
Tills is an exceedingly minute and correct map, having been compiled
With great cai-e and a strict adherence to actual sm-vey.
MAP OF THE COUNTRY 33 MILES AROUND
THE CITY OP NEW TOEK.
Compiled from the maps of the United States' Coast
Survey and other authorities. 1 sheet. Size, 29 by
26 inches.
Price, mounted, $1 50 ; in cases, $0 75,
MAP OF LONG ISLAND,
With the environs of the city of New York and the
southern part of Connecticut. By J. Calvin Smith.
4 sheets.. Size, 60 by 42 inches.
Price, mounted, $4 00.
TRAVELER'S MAP OF LONG ISLAND.
Price, in cases, $0 38.
A neat pocket map for duck-shooters and other sportsmen.
MAP OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF NEW YORK,
Brooklyn, Williamsburg, Jersey City, and the acUaceni
waters. 3 sheets. Size, 56 by 32 inches.
Price, mounted, $3 00.
The Commissioners' Survey is the basis of this map. The improve-
ments have been accm-ately laid down : and to make the work more
valuable, maps of the vicinity of New York, of the Hudson river, and
of the cities of Boston and Philadelphia, have been appende.1. No
exertion has been spai-ed to keep the work up with the progress of the
city and neighborhood. The exceedingly low price at which it is issued
ought tc secixrs to it a large circulation.
8 PUBLISHED BY J. H. CO 1 TON.
MAP OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK,
Together ■with Brooklyn, Williamsburg, Grecnpolnt)
Jersey City, Hoboken, &;c., exhibiting a plan of the
port of New Yoi'k, with its islands, sandbanks, rocks,
and the soundings in feet. 1 sheet. Size, 32 by 26
inches. Price, mounted, $1 50; in cases, $0 50.
IVIAP OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN,
As consolidated by an act of the JLegislature of the
State of Ne^v ¥'ork,incIuding ]Srooklyn,WiIlianis-
burgh, Oreen Point, and Bushxvick, constructed
from the official maps of the Commissioners and
other authentic sources, exhibiting the farm lines
and names of the original o^tvners. Size, 54 by
40 inches. Price^ mounted, $5 OO.
SECTIONAL MAP OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS,
Compiled from the United States' surveys. Also exhibit-
ing the internal improvements; distances between
towns, villages, and post-offices ; outlines of prairies,
"woodlands, marshes, and lands donated by the Gene-
ral Government for the purposes of internal improve-
ments. By J. M. Feck, Tohn Messenger, and A. J.
Mathewson. 2 sheets. Size, 43 by 32 inches.
Price, mounted, $2 50 ; in cases, $1 50.
The largest, most accurate, and only reliable map of Illinois extant.
MAP OF THE STATE OF INDIANA,
Compiled from the United States' Surveys by S. D.
King. Exhibiting the sections and fractional settions,
situation and boundaries of counties, the location of
cities, villages, and post-offices — canals, railroads, and
other internal improvemerts, &;e., &C. 6 sheets. Size,
66 by 48 inches. Price, mounted, $6 00.
The only large and accurate map of Indiana eyer issued, and one
that every land-owner and speculator will find indispensably necessary
to a full understanding of the topography of the country, and the im-
provements Which have been completed, and those which are now in
progress. It is handsomely engraved and embeUished.
MAPS, CHAUTS, BOdKS, ETC., 9
MAP OF THE STATE OF INDIANA,
Compiled from the United States' surveys. Exhibiting
the sections and fractional sections, situation and
boundaries of counties, the -location of cities, villages,
and post-offices— canals, railroads, and other internal
improvements, &C.5 &c, 2 sheets. Sizcj 43 by 32
inches. Price, mounted, $3 00.
This map is a reduction from the large work, and contains equally
with that important publication all the essential features of the state
and the improvements that have been effected. It is suitable for an
oflSce or house map.
A NEW MAP OF INDIANA,
Reduced from the largo map. Exhibiting the boundaries
of counties ; township surveys ', location of cities, towns,
villages, and post-offlces— canals, railroads, and other
internal improvements, &c* 1 sheet. Size, 17 by 14
inches. Price, in cases, $0 38.
MAP OF MICHIGAN,
Map of the sui-veyed part of the State of Michigan. By
Jolm Fai*mer. 1 sheet. Size, 35 by 25 inches.
Price, mounted, $2 00 ; in cases, Si 50.
MAP OF THE WESTERN STATES,
l^iz. I Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa,
and Wisconsin, and the Territory of Minesota, show-
ing the township lines of the United States' Surveys,
location of cities, to\vns, villages, post-hamlets— canals,
railroads, and stage-roads. By J. Calvin Smith. 1
r sheet. Size, 28 by 24 inches.
Price, mouMtedj^l 25; in cases, $0 63.
MAP OF KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE;
Exhibiting the railroads, post roads, &c, 1 sheet. Size
25 by 17 inches.
Price, mounted, Sl.25 ; and in cases, $0.50.
10 PUBLISHED BY J. H. JOLTON.
STREAM OF TIME,
Or Chart of Universal History. Prom the original Ger-
man of Strauss. RoTised and continued by R. S,
Fisher, M. D. Size, 43 by 32 inches.
Price, mounted, $3 00.
An invaluable companion to every student of History.
MAP OF THE CITY AND COUINTY OF IMEW YORK.
With parts of Brooklyn, Williamsbur^h and Green Point,
and of Jersey City, Hoboken, &c. ""Compiled from the
latest Surveys, &c. 1 Sheet. Size 32 by 20 inches.
Price, mounted, Si 50 ; in cases, SO 50.
This map exhibits that portion of the city below 8~th street on a
large and uniform scale ; the portion north o'f that street is exhibited
on a smaller scale, but is distinct and complete, being engraved on
steel. The ward lines, fire -limits, &c., are laid down with accuracy^
and in every respect the map is well suited either for the office or pocket
PORTRAITS OF THE PRESIDENTS,
And Declaration of Independence. 1 sheet. Size, 42 by
31 inches. Price, mounted, $1 50.
NEW MAP OF CENTRAL AMERICA,
From the most recent and authentic sources ; shotring
the lines of communication between the Atlantic and
Pacific oceans. One sheet. Price, in cases, $0 50*
MOUNTAINS AND RIVERS.
A combined view of the principal mountains and rivers
in the world, with tables showing their relative height«r
and lengths. 1 sheet. Size, 32 by 25 inches.
Price, mounted, $1 50*
A CHART OF NATIONAL FLAGS
Each represented in its appropriate colors. 1 sheet*
Si7«, 2S by 22 inches. Price, mounted, $1 50.
MAPS, CHARTS, BOOKS, ETC., U
AN ILLUSTRATED MAP 01- HUMAN LIFE,
Dednced from passages of Sacred Writ. 1 sheet. Size*
25 by 20 inches. Price, mounted, $0 73.
MAP OF PALESTINE,
From the latest authorities : chiefly from the maps and
drawings of Robinson & Smith, irith corrections and
additions furnished by the Rev. Dr. £. Rbbinson, and
vrith plans of Jerusalem and of the journey ings of the
Israelites. 4 sheets. Size, SO by 62 inches.
Price, mounted, $S 00.
This large and elegant map of the Holy Land is intended for the Sun-
day-school and Lecture-room. It is boldly executed, and lettered in
large type, which may be read at a great distance. Both the ancient
and modem names of places are given.
MAP OF PALESTINE,
From the latest authorities: chiefly from the maps and
drawings of Robinson & Smith, with corrections and
additions furnished by the Rev. Dr. £. Robinson. 2
sheets. Size, 43 by 32 inches.
Price, mounted, $3 00.
This map is elegantly engraved on steel, and is peculiarly ada]jted to
family use and the use of theological students. It contains every place
noted on the larger map, the only diflference being in the scale on which
it is drawn. While the large map is well suited for a school or lectm-e-
room, this is more convenient for family use and private study. Plana
of Jerusalem and the vicinity of Jerusalem are attached. The religious
and secular press throughout the country has expressed a decided
preference for this map of Professor Robinson over all others that have
ever been issued.
MAP OF EGYPT,
The Peninsula of Mount Sinai, Arabia Petraia, with the
southern part of Palestine. Compiled from the latest
authorities. Showing the jonrneyings of the children
of Israel from Egypt to the Holy l<and. 1 sheet.
Size, 32 by 25 inches. Price, mounted, $1 50.
An excellent aid to the Bible student.
12 PUBLISHED BY J. H. C O L T 0 N .
NEW TESTAMENT MAP.
A map of the countries mentioned in the New Testament
and of the travels of the Apostles— with ancient and mod-
em names, from the most authentic sources. 1 sheet.
Size, 33 by 25 inches. Price, mounted, $1 50*
" Its size, finish, distinctness, fullness, and accuracy, make it very ele-
gant and useful. Sabbath-school teachers and private Chi-istians, as
well as theological students, may esteem and use it with great advan-
tage. * * * I own and value." Samuel H, Cox, D. D.
" On a scale neither too large to be irawieldy, nor yet too small to be
accurate, it presents at a single view, with great distinctness, the scenes
of the striking events of the New Testament, and cannot fail to f»ive to
those events a greater clearness, and by presenting so plamly their lo-
calities to throw over them new interest. ***** it seems to
have been drawn in accordance with the best authorities."
Erskine Mason, D. D.
"Valuable for accuracy, beauty, and cheapness. Having both the
ancient and modern names of places, and being of portable eizc, it
would appear happily adapted for the use of Sabbath-school teachers."
WiUiam R. Williams, D. D.
" I have been much pleased with the apparent accuracy, EBd the
beautiful execution of a map of the countries mentioned in the New
Testament, published by Mr. Colton, and think it adapted to be useful."
Stephen M. Tyng, JD. D.
GUIDE-BOOK THROUGH THE UNITED STATES, &c.
Travelers' and Tourists' Guide-Book through the United
States of America and the Canadas. Containing the
routes and distances on all the great lines of travel by
railroads, canals, stage-roads, and steamboats, togeth-
er with descriptions of the several states, and the
principal cities, towns, and villages, in each — accom-
panied vrith a large and accurate map.
Price, $1.00.
ROUTE-BOOK THROUGH THE UNITED STATES, &c.
Travelers' and Tourists' Route-Book through the Unite
States of America and the Canadas. Containing the
routes and distances on all the great lines of travel by
railroads, stage-roads, canals, rivers, and lakes, &c.—
accompanied with a large and accurate map.
Price, $0.75.
MAPS, CiiARTb, GOO KB. ETC. 13
MAP OF INEW E^JGLANOj
With portions of the State of New York and the British
Provinces. 4 sheets. Size, 64 by 56.
Price, mounted— colored in counties, $5.00.
" " colored in towns, $6.00.
This is a magnificent map, engraved on steel, and exhibits the state
county, and town lines ; all the railroads, and other internal improve-
ments, and the general geography of the country— the whole on a larger
scale than has ever been published before. It has also appended to it a
separate map of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
EDDY'S MAP OF CALIFORNIA.
Approved and declared to be the Omcial Map of the State
by an Act of the Legislature, passed March 25, 1853.
Compiled by William M. Edd y, State Sm-vey or General.
3 Sheets. SiSze 53 by 46 inches.
Price, mounted, $5 00 ; in cases, S3 00.
Attthokities.— The coast line from San Diego to Oregon and the
Harbors, Bays and Islands, are from data furnished from the U. S
Coast Survey Office at Washington, and includes the work of 1852.
The Salinas and Tulare Valleys, the northern portion of the Stat6
embraced in part «f Siskiyou and Shasta counties, the Colorado Eiver,
and that portion of Oregon shown on the map, are from Surveys and
Eeconnoissances of the U. S. Topographical Engineers.
The counties of Mendocino, Trinity, and Klamath, are from the map
of George Gibbs, Esq.
The country from the Pacific to the Gila, is from the map of tha
Boundary Commissioners.
The remaining portion of the State is from maps and sketches
made by the Surveyor General, County and other surveyors, and from
astronomical observations under the superintendence of the Surveyor
General, and verifications from the U. S. Land Surveys.
The Mono country is from a sketch made by the discoverers, Lieuta
T. Moore and N. H. McLean, TJ, S. Army.
WM. M. EDDY, State Surveyor Qeneral.
San Feaitcisco, March 31st, 1853.
NEBRASKA AND KANSAS.
New map of Nebnaska and Kansas, exfiibiting the
routes, settieraients, etc. 1 sheet.
Price, @© 38? in cases, ^O &Q.
14 PUBLISHED BY J. H. COLTO:^.
THE WESTERN TOURIST,
And Emigrant's Guide tbrougli the sta^e^ of Oliio, Mic6-
igan, Indiana, Illinois^ Missoui'i, Iowa, and Wiscon-
sin, and the territories of Minesota, Missouri, and
Nebraska, being an accurate and concise description
of each state and territory ; and containing the routes
and distances on the great lines of travel — accompanied
'With a large and minute map, exhibiting the township
lines of the United States' surveys, the boundaries of
counties, and the position of cities, villages, and set-
tlements, &;c. Price, $0 75t»
Being an account of all Republics, Empires, Kingdoms,
and Nations, in reference to their geography, statistics,
commerce, «&;c., together with a brief historical outline
of their rise, progress, and present condition, t&c, &c.
By Richard S. Fisher, M, D. In two volumes, pp. 633-
727. (Illustrated with maps and charts,)
Price, $5 00,
A CHRONOLOGICAL VIEW OF THE WORLD,
Exhibiting the leading events of Universal History ; th©
origin and progress of the arts and sciences, «fcc. ;
collected chiefly from the article '* Chronology" in the
new Edinburgh Encyclopedia, edited by Sir David
Brewster, EL,. D., F. R. S., dec. ; with an enlarged
view of important events, particularly in regard to
American History, and a continuation to the present
time, by Daniel Haskell, A. M., American Editor of
McCnlloch's Universal Gazetteer, (fcc. 12mo. pp. 267.
Price, $0 75
MAP OF THE TERRITORY OF MINESOTA,
Exhibiting the Official Surveys. Compiled by T. Knauer,
Civil Engineer, &c. Scale, 6 miles to the inch. Size,
32 by SOinches.
Price, mounted, S2 00 ; in cases, $1 00.
This map contains all the recent surveys made in the Territory by the
United States' Surveyors, and exhibits with accuracy the base and me-
ridian line? ; the county, township, and section lines, and the general
topography of the country, until now so little known. It is the only
authentic map of the Territory ever published, and will be invaluabk)
alike to tbe emigrant tlie speculator, and the traveler.
MAPS, CHARTS, BOOKS, ETC. 15
PLAN OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK IN NORTH AMERICA.
SURVEYED IN THE YEARS 1766 AND 1767.
To His Excellency Sir Henry Moore, Bart., Captain-
General and Governor-in-Chief in and over His Ma-
jesty's Province of New York and the Territories de-
pending thereon in America, Chancellor and Vice-
Admiral of the Same, this Plan of the City of New
York and its Environs, Surveyed and liaid Down, is
Most Humbly Dedicated by His Excellency^ Most
Obed. Humble Servant,
B. RATZER,
Lieut, in His Majesty's 60th or Royal American Rcgt.
3 sheets. Size, 44 by 40 inches.
Price, mounted, $5 00.
The value of the above map in legal cases is sufficiently attested by the
the fact that the subscription list comprises the names of all the most
eminent surveyors and lawyers in the cities of Nevsr York and Brooklyn.
THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
MAP OF THE STATE OE SOUTH CAROLINA,
Compiled from Railroad, Coast, and State Surveys. By
G. E. Walker and J. Johnson, Civil Engineers. 4
sheets. Size, 73 by 57 inches.
Price, mounted, $10 00.
This map has been compiled under the authority of the Legislature of
the State of South Carolina, and is the only map of the State which, for
accuracy of delineation and minutiae of detail, can claim to be reliable.
It embraces all tlie surveys made by or under authority of the local,
g-overnment, the sui-veys of the most eminent civil engineers in the ser-
vice of the several railroad companies, and the results of the United States'
Coast Survey; and for the authenticity of its material, and the general
correctness of its topographical illustrations, the reputation of two of the
most widely known and esteemed engineers of the State is responsible.
Such guarantees for the perfection of a state map were never before
afforded to the public. The map, in point of minuteness, stands ua-
equalled: it exhibits the lines of all existing ra'ilroads, all railroads in
progress, and those also which are projected, the whole system of post and
district roads, and all other internal improvements ; the situation of cities,
to\\ais, villages, post-offices, and the great multiplicity of other objects
usually'found on the best and most elaborate maps ; and in point of execu-
tion, its artistical merits are such as to challenge the admiration of all
whose opinion is worth recording. The large scale adopted by the authors,
the distinctness with which its great natural features are depicted, and
the truthfulness of its geographical context, adapt it peculiarly to the
wants of all interested in commerce, internal trade, and general busi-
ness within the State ; and to sui-veyors and engineers it must supply
much that is new, important, and valuable to facilitate their labors in the
field as well as in the office. No resident, indeed, at all interested in the
progress of the State, can well do without this map, v/hich so faithfully
reflects the actual condition of the country with which he is identifieii.
16 PUBLISHED BY J. H. COLTOIT.
COLTON'S OUTLINE MAPS,
ADAPTED TO THE USE OF
PRIMARY, GRAMMAR, AND HIGH SCHOOLS.
This new and valuable Series of Outline Maps comprises —
A Map of tlie World, in two hemispheres, each 80
inches in diameter, and separately mounted.
A Map of the United States, 80 by 62 inches.
A Map of Europe, 80 by 62 inches, on the same plan
with that of the United States, will complete the series.
THE MAPS OF THE WORLD
Are nearly q^iadruple the size of any others now in use, and exhibit
the different portions of the Eai-th's surface in bold and vivid out-
line, which makes them sufficiently distinct to be plainly seen and
studied from the most distant pai-ts of the largest school-room. They
exhibit the physical features of the World, and also give an accurate
view of its political divisions, showing the relative size of each, with
their natural and conventional boundaries. In the corners of each
map there are diagrams which exhibit the elements of physical geogra-
phy, as the parallels, meridians, zones, and climates — the latter by
isothermal lines. There are also appended two separate hemispheres,
exhibiting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans complete, f>i.c., forming in all
eight different diagrams, illustrative of the primary elements of the
science. These appendices will greatly assist the teacher in his eluci-
dations, and make tangible to the scholar the basis of geographical
tnechanism.
THE MAP OF THE UNITED STATES
Exhibits the entire territory of the Union from the Atlantic to the
Pacific Oceans, and also the greater portion of the British Possessions in
the North, and the whole of Mexico and Central America, with j^art o.
the West Indies, in the South. It has also appended to it a MAP OP
THE NEW-ENGLAND STATES, on a larger scale. The physical
and political geography of this interesting region is minutely detailed.
The localities of the cities, and important towns, ports, and harbors
are denoted by points, and the map generally has been consti'ucted on
the most approved principles, under the supervision and advice ot
several competent and experienced teachers.
T^ie Price of these Maps is $5 each
MAPS, CHARTS, BOOKS, ETC. 17
UNIFORM SERIES OF TOWNSHIP MAPS.
OOLTOWS NEW MAP OF MISSOURI, compiled from the
United States' Surveys and other authentic sources. Scale, 15
miles to the inch. Size, 32 by 29 inches.
Price, mounted, $1 50; incases, $0 75.
OOLTON'S RAILROAD AND TOWNSHIP MAP OP THE
STATE OF OHIO, compiled from the United States Surveys, &c.
Scale, 12 miles to the inch. Size, 32 by 29 inches.
Price, mounted, $1 50 ; in cases, $0 75.
COLTON'S TOWNSHIP MAP OF THE STATE OF WIS-
CONSIN, compiled from the United States' Surveys and other
authentic sources. Scale, 15 miles to the inch. Size, 32 by 29
inches.
Price, mounted, $1 50 ; in cases, $0 75.
COLTON'S TOWNSHIP MAP OF THE STATE OF IOWA,
compiled from the United States' Surveys and other authentic
sources. Scale, 14 miles to the inch. Size, 82 by 29 inches.
Price, mounted, $1 50 ; in cases, $0 75.
COLTON'S RAILROAD AND TOWNSHIP MAP OF THE
STATE OF NEW YORK, with parts of the adjoining States and
Canadas. Scale, 15 miles to the inch. Size, 32 by 29 inches.
Price, mounted, $1 50 ; in cases, $0 75.
COLTON'S NEW RAILROAD AND TOWNSHIP MAP OP
THE STATES OF NEW HAMPSHIRE AND VERMONT,
compiled from the most recent and authentic sources. Scale, 9 miles
to the inch. Size, 32 by 29 inches.
Price, mounted, $1 50 ; in cases, $0 75.
COLTON'S NEW RAILROAD AND TOWNSHIP MAP OP
THE STATES OF MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE ISLAND,
AND CONNECTICUT, compiled from the United States' Coast
Survey and other accurate and authentic sources. Scale, 9 miles to
the inch. Size, 32 by 29 inches.
Price, mounted, $1 50 ; in cases, $0 75.
The above series is the most accurate and detailed of any published,
and in all that relates to railroads and other internal improvements,
is complete to the date of publication.
16 PUBLISHED BY J. H. COL TON.
Map of THl STATc OF KENTUCKY,
Ca&'efulSy coBispile^I f^ossa elio nsost authentic oi*igi>
£iia.l Eis»p^, docuEBScaats, n.tiH laaiseelJaiicoiis inror<t
luatioea. :^y SCdsEseaiiid F. ILiCC, Civil £:ugiueer.
3 .^Sseets. @ize, 7S hy 48 inches.
l?rice, mcuBited, $6 OO.
This is the largest and most detailed map of the prosperous State ot
Keutucky over published, and the production of one of the most ac-
complished civil engineers of the Union. It contains the minute topog-
raphy of the State ; the location of all cities, towns, villages, and post-
ofiSces; the railroads and other lines of ti-avel, with the distances
between places; the boundaries of counties; geological diagrams,
elevations, etc., and statistical tables of agriculture, population, etc.
It is peculiarly adapted to ihe purposes of all interested' in the actual
condition of the State, its Internal improvements and general condi-
tion; and. as an accurate and reliable map has no competitor.
r^AP OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA,
CoBupilcd fi'om oMcia! imd aisthesatic sources. IBy
Wis). &. !3o2auer, Civil ISfisgiueep. 1 sheet. Size,
36 by 19 inches. S?rice, iia cases, ^O 75.
This map is a reduction of the large mnp of Georgia by the same
author, and contains all the peculiar features — detail, accuracy, and
beauty— of the original. Eoads of all descriptions, the proper location
of towns, the county lines, including those of the thirteen new coun-
ties erected in 1854, are laid down ;" and the State throughout is repre-
sented faithfully as it exists at the present time. The traveler will find
this map to be a true guide to the localities he may wish to visit.
THE EUROPEAN BATTLE FIELDS.
UKap of Europe ; together with a large plan of the
Black Sea and E^s^sissbiaat E*r©vimces. 1 sheet
Size, 30 by 34 SMchee.
f rice, mouaitod, $1 25 ; iss cases, $0 50 ;
in sheets, $0 37.
This map has been provided with the view of exhibiting the progress
of the Kusso-Turkish war. It contains a large amount of information^
and will be found better adapted to its special object than any other
that has been published.
MAPS, ClIAKTS, BOOKS, ETC.
19
MAP OF THE WESTERN STATES;
Via., Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Kentucky, Mis-
souri, Iowa, and the Territories, exhibiting the base,
Kieridian, and township lines of the United States sur-
veys; the lines of the counties; the general geography
of the country ; the railroads, canals, and other roads ;
the location of cities, villages, and post-offices-, etc., etc.:
compiled from the most recent and accurate sources.
Engraved on steel. Size, 48 by 36 inches.
Price, mounted, S3.00; and in portable form, Sl.50.
This Map of the Western States is the largest, most accurate, and at the
same time, the most convenient that has hitherto been published It em
braces the great features of tlie country, and exhibits, at one view the
Dearing and importance of its relative parts. No one interested in the de
velopment of the West can vi^ell dispense with so elaborate a portraiture
ot Its surlace ; and it will be equally interesting and useful for counting-
iiouse reference as it must be for the trader, traveler, immigrant, or
resident, for which classes of our citizens it has been especially desi-Tied
In coiripiling this great work, it has been a chief object to liave afl the
lines of travel, by railroad, canal, or otherwise, laid down accurately and
in furtherance ot this object, the assistance of the engineers of the severaf
works has been obtained, and the lines have been traced from the oriirinal
surveys by the surveyors of each respectively. In this respect, no formei
map of the West has any pretence to accuracy, and hence this publication
claims preference with those wiio desire to acquaint themselves thorouo^hlv
with the country delineated, and its means ot intercommunication °
IN'EW SERIES OF MAPS FOR TRAVELERS.
This series embraces maps of each of the United States, of the several
British Provinces, and of Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies
exhibiting with accuracy the railroads, canals, stage routus, &c also the
principal cities, and other objects of interest, i^n appended diagrams
cts.
Alabama,
Arkansas, 38
California, 50
Canada East, 33
Canada West, 33
Central America, 50
Connecticut, 38
Delaware and
Maryland, 38
Florida, 38
Georgia, 88
Illinois, 88
Indiana, -, 88
Iowa, 33
Kentucky and
Tennessee, 83
Lake Superior, 38
Louisiana, 88
Maine, 38
Massachusetts and
Rhode Island, 38
Mexico, 50
Michigan, IJorth, 38
Michigan, South, 88
Minesota, 83
Mississippi, 83
Missouri, 38
JNTew Brunswick,
Nova Scotia, &c. 38
Wew Hampshire, 38
If ew Jersey, 88
CTS,
New Mexico and
ntah, 50
Hew York, 88
North Carolina, 88
Ohio, 88
Oregon and Wash-
ington Ter.,
Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island,
South Carolina,
Texas,
Vermont,
Virginia,
West Indies,
Wisconsin,
50
50
20 PUBLISHED BY J. H. COLTON.
NEBRASKA AND KANSAS,
Exhibiting the netv Territorial boundaries, Indian
clnims, lines of travel, to'tvus, etc., together trith a.
map of the iaev»' Territory sonth of the Oita Biver.
Size, 30 by 34 inches. Prices, mounted, Si 33;
in cases, $0 30 ; in sheets, $0 37.
MAP OF THE COUNTRY 12 MILES AROUND
THE CITY OF NEW YORK,
With the names of property-holders, «fcc., from an en-
tirely new and accurate survey. By J. C. Sidney.
3 sheets. Size, 40 by 40 inches.
Price, mounted or in cases, $3 00.
WESTERN POBTRAITURE;
And Emigrants' Guide : a Description of Wisconsin,
Illinois, and Iowa, with Remarks on Minnesota and
other Territories. By Daniel S. Curtiss. In 1 vol
13mo. pp. 360, (illustrated with a township map.)
Price, $1 00.
Actual observation and great experience are the bases of this work ;
and in language and incident it has much to interest. It treats of the
«' Great West," its scenery, its wild sports, its institutions and its chai-ac-
teristics, material and economic. In tiiat portion devoted to statistical
illustration, the topography of sections and the adaptation of localities
to particular branches of industry occupy a large space : the geology,
soil, climate, powers and productions of each are considered, and their
allied interests, their retpective values and destinies, and their present
conditions, are accurately described.
N. B.— A German edition of the *' Western Portraiture"
has also been issued, and will be found of essential advan-
tage to Immigrants from the *' fatherland," as it contains
all the information necessary for their gaining a luiowl-
edge of the states to which German immigration Is chiefly
directed. It contains an excellent to^vnship map.
Price, bound, $0.73; in covers, $0.50.
MAP OF THE PROVINCES OF NEW BRUNSWICK, NOVA
SCOTIA, AND NEWFOUNDLAND,
And parts of the country adjacent thereto. 1 sheet.
Size, 18 by 15 inches.
Price, in cases, $0 38.
PUBLISHED BY J. H. COLTON. 21
A STATISTICAL ACCOUNT OF AMERICA;
Being a description of the geography^ resources, indns-
try, inncltutions, and other interests pertaining to the
several governments and nations thereof. By Richard S.
Fisher, M.D., author of the "Book of the World," aitd
ether statistical works. (Not yet complete.) 1 vol. Svo.
PI). 40«;>. Price, bound, $2.00,
This elaborate work represents, in the tangible form of fisures and de-
scriptions, all the great interests which make and distinguish nations. It
comprises among its subjects the geography, geology, and natural resourcos
of all the countries of North and South America, and full statistical details
of the population, industry, and general condition of each. It is a worit
•which every American needs— sufficiently detailed in all its departments
for the utilitariaw,and in its style and general character not too elaborate
for the college or school library. By the student it may be used as a sequel
to his geographical studies, and it is perhaps surpassed by no other work-
in its adaptation for the family circle, as it combines with its subjects much
striking and instructive information resnecting the original inhabitants,
the antiquities, and curiosities of the continents to which its descriptions
specially refer. No one, indeed, who is possessed of the maps of America,
ousht to be without this wqrk, which so lucidly fills up the outlines they
depict.
THE NATIONS OF THE WORLD;
Being a general description of all nations and countiies,
their geogi*aphy, resources, industryj and institutions ;
together with a brief histor>- of their rise, progi-ess, and
present condition. By Richard S. Fishei*, M.D., author
of the " Book of the World," and other statistical woriis.
(Not yet complete.) 3 vols. Svo. pp. 400, 416.
Price, bound, S3.50.
This IS a work of universal utility and, from its accuracy of detail, must
become a standard in geographical literature. It contains a full resume
of all the great interests of nations, and describes, in concise language, the
distinguishing features of the families of mankind, their origin, languages,
customs, religions, pursuits, and characters. The vast amount of statis-
tical information it contains has been derived from the most recent and
authentic sources— principally from official documents referring to the
year 1850, and hence, from the uniformity of the statistical series used ia
Its compilation, comparison is more easy, and the results more lucidly por-
trayed. As a text-book for colleges and high schools, or as a work of refer-
3nce in public and private libraries, it is invaluable, and in many respects
its superiority as a " book for the people" generally is too apparent to be
mistaken. It is in fact a companion to the Map of the World. It describes
w lie re the map deniarks, and malces apparent to the mind what the latter
rally typifies to the eye.
INDIAINA;
Its geography, statistics, institutions, county topography,
&c.: compiled from official and other authentic sources*
By Richard S. Fisher, M. D., author of the " Book of the
World," and other statistical works. With a sectional
Tnap of the State. 1 vol, I'^mo. pp. I^S. Price, S3.00.
22 PUBLISHED BY J. H. COLTOW.
MAP OF THE SOUTHERN STATES;
Viz., Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina,
Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tex-
as, Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, and Kentucky : con-
stracted from authentic materials. 4 sheets. Size, 64 by
43 inches.
Price, mounted and colored, ^6.00.
This map is engraved on steel. It is undoubtedly the best and most
elaborate map of the southern section of the UnitecT States, and exhibits
with accuracy all the civil and political divisions; the lines of railroads,
and other works of internal improvement ; the United States surveys in the
laad states, and a great mass of other information. Such a work the South
has long wanted.
TOWNSHIP MAP OF THE STATE OF MAINE,
Exhibiting the railroads, and other internal improvcmentSt
3 sheets. Size, 43 by 37 inches.
l*rice, colored in to-wns, $3; in counties, $3 50
in cases, ^1 SO*
This splendid map is en<graved on steel, colored handsomely, and moimted
in the best style. It is the largest and most complete map of the state it
represents that has hitherto been published, and exhibits distinctly all the
civil divisions, internal improvements, &c., with great accuracy and con-
ciseness. In its compilation the assistance of officers of the United States
Coast Survey has contributed much to the value of its representation of
the seaboard districts.
GUIDE-BOOK
THROUGE THE NEW ENGLAND AND MIDDLE STATES.
Traveler»s and Tourist's Guide-Book through the New
England and Middle States, and the Canadas. Con-
tahilng the routes and distances on all the great lines
of tr.ivel, by railroads, canals, stage-roads, and steam-
boats, together with desciiptions of the several states,
and t!ie principal cities, to^vns, and villages in each—
acconipsaied vrith a large and accurate map.
Price, $0.75.
MAP OF THE UNITED STATES,
The Canadas, &c., showing the railroads, canals, and
gtage-roads, with the distances from place to place.
Size, S8 by 3'^ iuches. Price, in cases, S0.f;3.
MAPS. C H A li T S , BOOKS, ETC. 23
STATISTICAL MAP OF THE STATE OF I^EW YORKj
Comprising all the principal statistics of each county —
agricultural, manufacturing, commercial, &:c. By 11.
S. Fisher, M. D., author of the " Book of the World,"
&c. 1 sheet. Size, 33 by 26 inches. Price, $0 25.
Useful to all classes of our citizens, and indispensable fo,r the informa-
tiou of parties engaged in the construction of railroads and other internal
improvements, speculators in land, and persons desiguing to settle in any
part of the State. All the material interests of the country are^plainly
indicated in figui'es on the face of the map, or in the tables which a©-
eompany it.
HORN'S OVERLAIND GUIDE
FROM COUNCIL BLUFFS TO CALIFORNIA.
Containing a Table of Distances, and showing all the
rivers, lakes, springs, mountains, camping places, and
other prominent objects ; witli remarks on the country,
roads, timbers, grasses, t&c, &c. Accompanied by a
Map. Price, ^0 50.
CORDOVA'S MAP OF TEXAS,
Compiled from new and original surveys. 4: sheets.
Size, 36 by 34 inches.
Price, In cases, $3 OO.
This is the only reliable map of Texas, and being on a large scale,
exhibits minutely and with, distinctness the natural features of the State
and its several political divisions. The following government oflacera
certify to its accuracy and completeness.
" We have no hesitation in saying that no map could surpass this in
accuracy and fidelity." David S. Kaufman, Thos. J. Rusk,
S. PiLSBURY, Sam. Houston.
" I certify to the correctness of this map, it being the only one extaa
that is truly correct." John C. Hays.
Besides his own publications, J.H. C. has constantly on hand
a large assortment of Atlases and Foreign Maps.
Mounting in all its forms carefully executed for the trade,
public institutions, (Sec.
24
A NEW AND COMPLETE
STATISTICAL AMD GEHSEAL aAlETTEEE
OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
FOUNDED ON AND COMPILED FROM
Official Federal and State Eetuma, and the Census of 1850
BY RICHARD SWAINSON FISHER, M.D.,
Author of the "Book of the World;" "Progress of the U. States,'
a "Statistical Account of America," etc., etc. ; also, hterary
editor of " Colton's American Atlas," and editor of
the " American Railway Guide."
The " Statistical Gazetteer" describes and sums up all the
prominent and material interests that make and distinguish the sev-
eral political and civil divisions of the country ; the physical peculi-
arities, the mineral and other resources, the capacities for agricuUui-e,
manufactures, commerce, and other industrial pursuits, and the pres-
ent condition of each section, in accordance with the ascertainments
of the Seventh Census, taken in 1850, and other federal and state re-
turns. Great attention has also been paid to works of internal im-
provement.
In compiling this work, two extremes, noticeable in Gazetteers
hitherto published, have been carefully avoided : the one of which
has been to give a mere catalogue of names ; and the other, to select
for description only such places as, by their historical greatness,
their extensive manufactures, or other special interests, have gained
a notorious position. This Gazetteer notices each state, county, city,
village, and natural object, at such proportional length as its import-
ance demands, and in that terse and judiciously compressed style so
desirable in books of this description, excluding all irrelevant detail,
and dwelling only on the most prominent and interesting features.
It thus commends itself to all classes, occupying, as it docs, a posi-
tion between the abstruse and popular, retaining the precision of the
one, without its detail, and the interest of the other, without its
vagaries. It is an eminently ]^actical work, and to the commercial
man, the traveler, and statist, must be an indispensable companion.
ITie work is published in one volume, royal octavo, containing
about 960 pages, and is strongly bound in leather.
Price Three Dollars and a half*
25
AMEEIGAH STATISTICAL AimUAL
POR THE TEAIl 1854-5.
COMPILED FKOM TUB MOST AITTnENTIO SOTIECES
BY RICHAED S. FISHER, M. D., AND CHARLES COLRT, A. M.-
The " American Statistical Annual " is a work in v.-hich are embodied
Ihe detailed statistics of all American States, and a summary of those of
Europe, Asia, Africa and Australasia. The Statistics represent the condi-
tion of all the interests of nations and countries according to the latest
official returns, chiefly those made since 1850. The work is divided into
four parts.
Part First — contains the Census Statistics of the United States and of
the States severally, and the reports of the departments of the govern^
raents of each, with abstracts of state constitutions and of executive mes-
sages ; and among a multiplicity of other matters of interest will be
found a correct list of colonial and constitutional governors, the statistics
of asylums for the deaf and dumb, blind, and insane ; school statistics ;
the financial condition of states : statistics of navigation and commerce,
domestic and foreign ; accurate lists of railways, canals, telegraphs, etc. ;
statistics of colleges, universities, theological schools, medical schools,
law schools, and scientific schools ; and statistical information relative to
every interest of the states described. This division indeed contains a
faithful review of the present condition of the Union and its component
States.
Part Second — is devoted to the States of Central and South America, and
contains the latest statistics relative to their condition. In its compila-
tion the assistance of the ministers of tlie several states resident at Wash-
ingt(m lias been sought, and thus entire accuracy has been attained. No
part of America has hitherto been so little known in this country as these
states, and iieuce tlie information collected from such sources will be pe-
culiarly valuable.
Part Third — describes Colonial America, and contains a vast fund of
authentic information relative to the Russian, Danish, British, Dutch,
French, Spanish and Swedish possessions, never before published. The
late census of tlie British Colonies are chief features in this part cf the
v/ork, and for these and many other valuable documents the authors are
greatly indebted to the governors of the several dependencies. The
Dutch and Danish censuses are also given.
Part Fourth — contains extensive statistics of trans-Atlantic States in
tabular, form chiefly respecting the extent, population, finances, armed
force, military and naval, merchant Tnarine, railways, etc., of each. Tho
conciseness of these statistics, which are all of the latest d&tes, makes
them of great value for ready reference.
So extensive a work on statistics has never before been attempted ; nor
has such a variety of interests ever been brought together. The merchant,
the scholar, the minister of the gospel, the physician, and indeed every
class of society will find in it something of importance relative to his indi-
vidual profession. The economist will appreciate it as a book of facts, and
refer to it in his arguments against the sophist; and to no class cf per-
sons can it be of more value than to editors of newspapers, whose atten-
tion is frequently too closely confined to matters which preclude the pos-
sibility of research for a wanted fact, but which the index of this volume
will readily discover.
The work is handsomely printed, in fine type, and contains as mncli
mattei as three ordinary volumes of the same size.
Price, @i.50 bound half clotli, leather back.
26
GEOGRAPHY AND JIISTOKY COilBlNED
In 1 vol., 4to, with 80 Majjs and 200 Engravings,
EntiUed
COMPEEHENSIYE GEOGRAPHY AND HISTORlf,
Ancient aixtJ i[^otJ£rn.
BY S. G. GOODRICH,
AUTHOE OF parley's TALES AND PICTORIAL mSTOKIES.
This work contains 272 quarto pages, equal to 1,000 (?ommon 12tno pagea.
It is the most complete and comprehensive work for the daily use ofFanii
lies, Merchants, Editors of papers. Lawyers, Postmasters, Emigrants, &c.
tliat has ever appeared. It contains the Geography and History of every
country, including the new census of the United States ; it gives tlie sit
uation and population of over 5,000 cities, towns, and villages ; the mate-
rials are all arranged in the most convenient order, and a copious index
serves as a guide to the history and geography of the most remarkable
places in the world. This work has received tlie highest commendation
at the hands of scientific men iu America and Europe. (Price, hall
bound $2 00, cloth gilt $3 00,
From the Washington Republic, May 5, 1853.
"This work belongs to the utilitarian class, and will doubtless take a
permanent place in the higher schools, and in reading families generally.
It is much more extensive than ordinary school treatises, as it includes
.some 270 quarto pages crowded with matter, and containing as much as
two common 8vo. volumes. It is also illustrated with numerous engrav-
ings on wood, and, what is more important, with 80 maps, plans ol
cities, &c.
" It may be a question whether it is best to study history with geogra-
phy, at the outset; but in a more advanced stage of study, tliere can be
no doubt that it is desirable at least to review geography in immediate
connection with history. This work is prepared with this view, and its
introduction into the higher seminaries will prove a great advantage to
education.
" But, after all, the work strikes us as likely to be most useful in fami-
lies, and to general readers, inasmuch as it furnishes a very full outline
of geography and history, with descriptions of country, so clear and dis-
tinct as to divest both of these subjects of the mists which usually attend
them in the mind. They are rarely studied from the beginning in a
proper manner, and hence there are certain labyrinths into which almost
every one habitually strays in approaching them. In the present work,
by a systematic arrangement, and especially by the use of numerous
maps, ancient and modern, placed in immediate contiguity with the text
the various topics are presented in a manner so lucid as not only to pre
vent new errors and correct old ones, but at the same time to render sub-
jects interesting which might otherwise be unattractive.
" Beside all this, for general reference the work in question is exceed-
ingly convenient, and will often save the trouble of consulting various
sources of information. Take, as an example, the subject of Germany
with its divisions and subdivisions. In order to find the history and ge-
ography of these countries, as given in the book before us, it would be
necessary to consult at least half a dozen volumes
" In regard to countries whose history go back to antiquity, the advan-
tage is even greater. The view given of the Roman empire in connection
with the Greek empire, fumislies an example of the remarkably clear
manner m which the anthor has contrived to treat geographical and his-
torical topics.
" We consider the work, as a whole, to be an excellent one, marking a
grreat advance in the art of preparing books for popular use, and deserv-
ing therefore, iiniversal encouragement "
27
KEW PHYSICiVL MD POLITICAL ATUSES.
AMERICAM ATLAS,
Illastrating the Physical and Political Geography of the
United States of America, the British Provinces, Mexico,
Central America, the West Indies, and 8011th America:
constructed from official surveys and other authentic
materials.
The " American Atlas" contains separate maps of every state and coim
try of North and South America, and the West Indies, engraved in ths
most elaborate style, and colored so as to distinguish readily the civil and
political divisions of each. The work embraces about 55 maps in imperial
folio, and each map is accompanied with a letter-press descripticm of the
country it may represent; exhibiting, in a condensed form, all its great
interests, industries, and institutions.
Price, $15»00; or -vvithout letter-press, $12.50.
ATLAS OF THE WORLD,
ilJastrating Physical andPolitical Geography: constructed
from official surveys and other authentic materials.
The " Atlas of the World" contains all the maps and letter-press
comnrised in the American Atlas, with the addition of between 50 and 61)
maps and descriptions of the several countries of Europe, Asia, Africa,
and Oceanica, and, in every respect, is got up in the same SDlendid style,
and with the same regard to authenticity and correctness.
Price, Sa4.00; or without letter-press, $30.00.
The maps contained in the above elaborate works have been dra\vn under
the superintendence of an accurate and accomplished geographer, and con-
tain, besides the usual geographical outlines, true representations of all
works of internal improvement, the lines of public surveys, and a great
mass of other valuable information.
The descriptive portions of the work are written by Du. R. S. Fishee,
author of the " Book of the World," and other statistical works. These
descriptions embrace all the geographical, geological, and statistical infor-
mation incident to the countries to which they refer; and also an outline
of their institutions, political, religious, and intellectual. In the compila-
tion of this, as in all other departments of the works, the most recent and
a.utlientic materials have been used, and the whole forms a convenient and
reliable source of information touching the subjects treated of.
Works such as the above have long been demanded by the enlightened
portion of the American public. For many years extraordinary advancea
have been made in geograpliical science ; discoveries of the highest im-
portance iiave been effected; regions before comparatively unknown have
been explored, and their physical characteristics ascertained with greater
or less minuteness; and on every side man has been actively engaged in
acquiring information, v/hereby to extend the sphere of civilization and
commerce. None of the important facts developed by these movements
are to be found in the old atlases, and hence the necessity for entirely
new works, embracing all the results that have been obtained from the
sources indicated. The atlases above named supply this necessity, and in
their maps and descriptions tlie world, as known at the present time, is rep-
resentee! with faithfulness and accuracy; and the vast amount of itiforma-
tion collected by explorers, travelers, and others, existing until now in
forms accessible" only to the few, are incorporated into these pages. Every
effort has been used by tiie publisher to furnish to the world works that
Bhall be creditable alike to the genius, learning, and mechanical skill of
America, and superior in' every respect to any like productions of the
pwss, either of this country or Europe. Their utility is not limited to any
jiffiss, but IS co-exlensive with the sphere of civilized 'lumanity.
18
28
LIST OF MAPS
CONTAINED IN
COLTON'S ATLAS OF THE WORLD.
Vignette Title.
Heights of Mountains.
Lengths of Rivers.
j Comparative size of Lakes.
\ " " Islands.
Physical Maps of the World. (2 Maps.)
8, 9. World on Mercator's Projection.
{Doiihle)
10. World, Eastern Hemisphere.
11. " Western "
12. Northern Eegions.
13. Southern Regions.
14. North America.
15. British Possessions in N. America.
16. New Briinswick, Nova Scotia, and
Newfoundland.
17. Lower Canada and New Brunswick.
18. Upper Canada.
19. 20. United States. {Double.)
21. Maine.
22. New Hampshire.
23. "Vermont.
24. Massachusetts and Khode Island.
25. City of Boston.
2G. Connecticut.
27. New York.
28, 29. N. York & adjacent cities. {Double.)
30. New Jersey.
31. Pennsylvania.
32. City of Philadelphia.
33. Delaware and Maryland.
34. City of Baltimore.
So. Cities of Washington and George-
town.
36. Virginia.
37. North Carolina.
South Carolina.
City of Charleston.
City of Savannah.
40. Georgia.
41. Florida.
42. Alabama.
43. Mississippi.
44. Louisiana.
45. City of New Orleans,
46. Texas.
47. Arkansas.
48. Kentucky and Tennessee.
49. Ohio.
.ft j City of Louisville.
""• 1 City of Cincinnati.
61. Indiana.
52. Michigan.
53. N. Michigan and Lake Superior.
64. lUjuois.
'■{
I 108.
Whole miniber of Maps. 180, o?i 109
J City of Chicago.
\ City of St. Louis.
Missoiu-i.
Iowa.
Wisconsin.
Minuesota.
Nebraska Territory, eto.
Utah and New Mexico.
California.
Oregon and Washington.
Mexico.
Central America.
West Indies.
South America.
New Granada, Venezuela, aacl
Ecuador.
Peru and Bolivia.
Brazil and Guayana.
Cliili and Argentine Republic, Uru-
guay and Paraguay.
Patagonia.
Europe.
75. England. {Double.)
Vicinity of London.
Scotland.
Ireland.
France.
Vicinity of Paris.
Spain and Portugal.
Holland and Belgium.
Denmaik. •
Germany, No. 1.
Germany, No. 2.
Germany, No. 3.
Italy (NorthX
Italy (SoutlTJ.
Switzerland.
Norway and Sweden.
Russia.
Prussia.
Austria.
Turkey in Europe.
Greece and the Ionian Islands.
Asia.
Turkey in Asia.
Palestine.
Afl'ghanistan, Belocliistaa, Tnrtary,
Arabia, etc.
China.
Japan.
India.
East Indies, Binnali, Siam, etc
Australia.
Islands of the Pacific Ocean.
Africa, N. E. sheet.
Africa, N. W. slieet.
Africa, Southern. 109. Cuba.
29
rO TEACHERS AND SCHOOL COMMITTEES,
COLTON AND FITCH'S
AMERICAlf SCHOOL GEOGRAPHY.
U'ow in Press.
J. H. Colton & Co. announce to th-e public that they have in press a
new system of Geography for Common Schools and Academies, which
they design to issue during the present year.
The wide spread demand for a new school geography, and the convic-
tion in their minds that a great improvement on those in general use is
needed and attainable, have induced the publishers to undertake the en-
terprise, and they are resolved that no pains or expense shall be spared
n making a first-rate work.
Previously to undertaking the task of preparing a new school geogra-
phy, the author (Mr. George W. Fitch) communicated with a great
number of experienced teachers respecting the defects of our present
books, and the manner in which the subject should be treated in order to
meet their approbation. Profiting by the suggestions thus obtained, as
well as by his own experience in teaching, he has sought to make the
T\-ork eminently practical, and to adapt it especially for use in the school-
room.
It has been a leading idea with the author, to give particular promi-
nence to the facts of Pliysical Geography, and to arrange them in such a
v/aj^hat the learner may see the relations they bear to each other, and to
the industrial affairs of mankind.
Great advancement has been made in this department of geograpnical
science during the past few years, and the author is not aware that the
facts relating thereto, with appropriate illustrations, have ever been
systematically embodied in an American school-book, adapted to the
comprehension of the great mass of scholars in our Common Schools and
Academies. The author trusts that his mode of treating this branch of
the subject will meet the approbation of all intelligent teachers.
The work is to be entirely new, with new maps and pictorial illustra-
tions throughout. The maps will be nearly two inches longer and wide*-
than those of any existing school-atlas, thus affording space for an en-
larged scale, so essential for the proper delineation of small and populous
states. Tliey will represent the most recent surveys and explorations,
and will exhibit the physical and political divisions of the globe according
to the most recent information.
E^" The Publishers express the hope that Teachers and
School Committees who contemplate adopting a. new school
geography, will await the appearance of this work before
Ujal?h:i^ thfiir selection.
30
OUTLMEB OF FHfSIOAL GEOGRAPHY.
BY GEORGE W. FITCH, ESQ.
Illustrated by Six Maps and Numerous Engravings.
The Publishers take pleasure in announcing that they have now ready
the above Treatise, designed particularly for study in common schools
and academies, but adapted a'so for home instruction and general read-
ing. The particular attention of teachers, school committees, and others
is called to this Avork. It is believed to be the first attempt ever made
in this country to embody, in a separate treatise, the more prominent
facts of Physical Geography in a manner iuteiligil)le to the great body
of pupils attending our schools. The scope of the book, and its general
plan, may be seen from the following list of subjects, which are treated
of with as much simplicity as possible:
THELA^fD— Its Extent and Distribution; Continents; Islands; Vol-
canic Islands; Coral Islands; Mountains; Mountain Systems of the
Eastern and Western Continents; Upland Plains or Table-Lands;
Lowland Plants; Glaciers; Snow Mountains and Avalanches; Vol-
canoes; Volcanic Eegions ; Vesuvius, Etna; Earthquakes.
TuE Water — Chemical Composition of Water; Mineral Springs j
Cataracts; Deltas; Oceanic and Continental Elvers; Inundations of
Elvers; Eiver Systems of the yy'"estern Continent — of the Eastern Con-
tinent; Lakes ; distribution of fresh-v/ater Lakes— of salt-water Lakes;
physical dififerences of Lakes; the Ocean; its temperature, color,^and
depth; deep-sea soundings ; Vfaves; Tides; Currents; Gulf Stream.
The Atmosphere — Composition of the Air — its properties; Winds;
Variable Winds ; Permanent Winds ; Trade-Winds ; Periodical Winds;
Monsoons; Hurricanes; Moisture; Clouds; Eain ; Snow and Hail;
Climate ; causes which determine Climate, Isotliermal Lines.
Organic Existence— Plants— divisions of the Vegetable Kingdom —
distribution of Plants— Food Plants ; Animals— their Classification ; dLs-
Iribution of Animals, Zoological Eegions ; Man— Eaces of Men.
. The Appendix contains several articles relating to the Chief Produc-
tions of Countries ; the Exports of Countries; Trade Eoutes; Metallic
Productions, etc. Also list of the Mountains, Elvers, etc.
The Maps which illustrate the book have been constructed with the
greatest care, and, though small in scale, they Aviil, it is conceived, be
found sufficient to give the learner an accurate idea of the principal
features and leading physical phenomena of the globe. The lessons are
broken into short sections or paragraphs, so that the work can be used
as a Eeading Book, and questions are appended at the bottom of the
pages for the purpose of rendering it convenient as a manual of in-
struction.
1 Vol.; l^iioilecimo, j^jt. SS5. Price $1 OO.
31
COLTON AND FITCH'S
INTERMEDIATE aSOaEAFHY,
This book, whicli is now being prepared, will be a small
quarto, and is designed for that very large class of scholars
in onr schools who wish to learn the more important facts
of Geography, but who have not time to consult thoroughly
a large treatise. The aim of the author has been to pre-
sent in this work such facts, and such only, as every scholar
should understand before he completes his term of instruc-
tion. Accordingly, all tedious detail and extended descrip-
tion are omitted ; and the learner's attention is confined
principally to the maps, from which only correct and defin-
ite impressions of locality can be obtained.
The Publishers would call the particular attention of
Teachers and others to the Maps which illustrate this book.
Every Teacher must have noticed that the Maps generally
put* into the Geographies for junior classes (commonly de-
signated Primary Geographies), are extremely meagre and
imperfect ; many countries are not represented at all, and
those which are exhibited, are delineated on so small a
scale, and are so carelessly drawn, that the impressions they
convey are of scarcely of any value.
The greatest possible pains are being taken with the draw-
ing and engraving of these Maps. They will be very full
of reliable information ; the larger cities and towns will be
in heavier lettering than the rest, so as to arrest the atten-
tion of the learner ; and they will possess the additional
merit, not found in any other similar book published in this
country, of showing contiguous states and countries on the
same scale. This is an important desideratum, and has
been hitherto entirely disregarded in the preparation of
School Geographies, the consequence being that no correct
ideas of relative size and dimension are obtained, Other
improvements are being introduced, and the Publishers
feel confident that the Map illustrations will far excel thos^
of any similar book.
32
PROaRESB OF THE UMITED STATES,
GEOGRAPHICAL, STATISTICAL, AND HISTORICAL,
BY KICHARD S. FISHER, M.D.,
Author of the " Book of the World," tne " Statistical Gazetteer of the
United States of America," Literary Editor of Colton's
"Atlas of the World," and Editor of the "Amer-
ican Eailway Guide," etc., etc.
A few years posterior to the foundation of the constitutional govern-
ment of the United States, a census of the population thereof was taken
under the authority of Congress in accordance with a provision of the
fundamental law; and subsequently at the end of each period of tea
years, similar and successively more and more minute censuses have
been instituted. These enumerations have also embraced inquiries
into the social and industrial status of the country, and its resources
and wealth for the time being, with such collaterate inquiries as were
deemed important to the determination of the economic and political
relations of the States constituting the Union.
The first national census wastaken in 1790, and the seventh and
latest census in the year 1850. Intermediate to these decennial enu-
merations, the States individually have likewise made numerous sta-
tistical inquiries, which are still being continued at periods varying from
two to ten years.
These show the progress of the United States from the first years of
their aggregate existence, and, in coimection with the annual returns
published by the Slate and General guvernments, are the ground-work
of the statistical portion of the present work.
The " Progress of the United States," however, is not confined alone
to a statistical analysis of the development of the country. In its pages
will be f>und a complete description of its geography, both in relation
to the States severally, and also to the Union. The general history of
the rise of the colonies, their struggles in the cause of liberty, iheir
transformation into independent governments, and their onward pro-
greas, are also summed np, and their present relative condition and po-
sition in the Union fully illustrated. The subjects more particularly
noticed are the mining, agriculture, commerce, and general industry of
the States, their institutions of learning and education, their religious
and moral institutions, and, in fact, all the great interests which make
and distinguish their social, industrial, and'political existence. Such
are the various subjects treated upon ; and certainly none can be more
interesting— none more useful to the inquiring citizen. Without enter-
ing into minute and controverted details, which would extend his work
to Jiany volumes, the author has endeavored to exhibit clearly and
trttthfully the history of events, their results, and the high destiny that
awaits the future of a country already distinguished among nations for
it? enlightened civilization, and the successful achievement of a posi-
tioa second to that of no other nation of ancient or modern times.
In One Vol., Boyal 8t?o, pp. 432, with Jllustrationa. Price $2 50.
33
C O L T O N ' S
GEOGRAPHIC COMEINATIOIT MAPS,
DESIGNED TO INSTKUOT AND AJITTSE
THE FAMILY CIRCLE AND PRIMARY SCHOOL.-
" JJUle ciion diilceP
The series of Maps under tlie above title, and whicli are
now in course of publication, will viltimately embrace
Maps of all countries, as
The ITnited States S3 50 j The World S2 50
The Sc'parats States .... 2001 Foreign Oonntries 300
The design of the Publishers is to furnish an agreeable
and attractive method of imparting to the young, at home
and at school, a knowledge of Geography, and of blending
amusement and instruction.
Tiie several Maps composing this series are dissected and
cut up into variform pieces ; but in such a manner that
each piece, whatever may be its shape, has a correspond-
ence with the other parts of the Map to which it belongs.
Thus from a score or more separate and differently shaped
pieces a complete Map may be constructed.
The act of combining these parts exercises and amuses
the mental faculties ; and the study of Geography is thus
made attractive, and more knowledge of the subject is ac-
quired in one hour spent in this intellectual amusement
than a month of hard book- study could insure.
Every family and district school should have at least one
copy of the series ; and simply for the reason that Geogra-
phy can not be so effectually taught by any other means ;
and many an hour which a child would otherwise wear
away in idleness may be saved to its advantage by placing
these amusing instructors within its reach.
Each ]Map is packed in a handsome book-form case, and
will form a valuable addition to the family or school library.
34
PRESTON'S
QUARTO TABLES OF IMTEEEST, j
AT FIVE
, SIX, AND SEVEN P
EE
CENT
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SO
IS. 06
g
190
31.03
3
28
8.75
6
1 53
8.49
3
81
13.28
0
200
82.66
7
24
3 92
0
i 53
S.65
6
82
18.39
3
300
49.00
0
25
J. '8
3
1 54
8 82
U
S3
13 55
6
400
65.38
3
26
4.'2 I
6
! 55
8.93
3
84
13.72
0
500
81-.66
7
27
4.41
0
66
9.14
6
85
13.88
8
600
98.00
0
2S
4.57
;.{
57
9.31
0
R6
14 04
6
700
114.38
3
29
4.73
^1^
58
9.4T
3
87
1421
0
800
130.66
_ 7_
_g' 1
4.90
(j
- 5
24.50
0
■^ 9
44.10
0
»=-12
58.80
0
^ 2
9.8)
0
'- 6
29.40
0
^10
49.00
0
■^24
117.60
0
g 3
14.70
0
.3 7
84.30
0
311
53.90
0
^36
176.40
0
" 4
19.60
0
" 8
39.20
0
Ys. Ms. Ds.
Mixed 2 . 8 . 20 Time.
35
Tn!8 comprehensive work, now in the course of preparation, will be
published in 1855. In comparing its capacity with other wo'fks of a
like character, we choose to select one which is the most extensively
known ; one whi'h, from the simplicity of its arrangement, and which,
for the fullness of extent, can not, but by some originality of thought
and a nevcr-tiring industry, be surpassed. Eowlett shows the interest
on each principal only from one day to sixty-four. Preston's new
work, as seen in the example herewith exhibited, shows the interest on
each principal from one day tu one hundred days inclusive ; and hence,
as contained in our specinien page opposite, we find the interest; at 6
per cent, on $9S0 for, say. 95 days to be $15.51-6. Then, by inserting
the mills, Preston exhibits a tenfold capacity, Avhich Eowlett doers
not. Thus the interest from Preston on $980 for 25 days is shown to
be $4.08-3 ; and on the same sum for 250 days, the interest is shown in
this new work to be $40.83. Then, again, in this new work, the inter-
est on $9800 for 25 days is shown, in the same identical spot, to bo
$40.83. Eowlett can not be used in this variety of form. To obtain
the interest from Eowlett ou any given sum, large or small, for any
given number of days above G4, we must add two sums together, while
this new work contemplates a relief from this embarrassment. In the
next place, this new Avork shows interest at three different rates, five,
SIX. and seven per cent. But what gives to it an incomparable supe^
riority is, its alternate arrangement, whereby we are enabled to ob-
tain the interest on any sum, 'arge or small, for any given term of time,
simple or mixed, without being required in any one case to refer to more
than one single column. Suppose, for example, that we want the in-
terest at 6 per cent, on $777.77 for 2 years, 8 months, and 20 days, as
stated at the extreme bottom of the page. Now, we regard the dai/s
as representing dollars. The 700 days represent 700 dollars or 7000
dollars ; the 77 days represent 77 dollars, and also the 77 cents. The in-
terest, then, for 2 years, 8 months, and 20 davs on $7000 is $1143.33; on
$700 it is, in the same spot, $114.33-3 ; on $77 it is $12.57-6 : and on 77
cents it is, in the same spot, 1''. cents and 5 mills, etc. ; total, $1270.36-4.
To obtain the interest from Eowlett on said sum for said term of time,
requires us to refer to two different pages wicZeZ?/ apart, and then to se^
lect three amounts from each one of those pages ; to add them together,
and finally to hunt up an illy aevised cent table at the close of the book,
where, if we have time, patience, and ingenuity enough, we shall find
the interest on the 77 cents. And this niay also be said of most of all
the interest tables that have been heretofore published.
The entire work will, when completed, probably contain about 275
pages, embracing more than One Thousand Millions of principals, no
two of which shall be alike, nor will there, in all this vast comprehen-
sion, be any occasion, in any one case, to refer to more than one single
column, like unto the one herewith presented. The work will contain
a very convenient Time Table, embracing 222,000 combinations of
dates. It will also contain one of the best tables for expediting the tedi-
ous process of Averaging Amounts that have ever been devised. And,
finally, a series of Exchange Tables will complete the volume. The
paper, printing, and binding will be of the best quality. The specimen
of table-work on opposite page represents but one-sixth of the quarto
page, that is, one column.
Price, $d.
f
^ X
36
INDEX TO CATALOGUE.
Alabama Page 19
Africa (2 sizes) 4
America, Central 6, 10
America, North 2
America, North and South . . . ; 2
American Atlas 27
American School Geoojraphy.. 29
America, South (2 sizes) 8
American Staiislical Annual .; 25
American States (Stat. Ace. of) 21
Aricansas 6, 19
Asia (2 sizes) .' 8, 4
Atlas, Amerif-an ■.-. 27
Atlas of the World 27
Book of the W'.rlJ 14
I5ritisli Provinces 4, 6
Brooklyn 7, 8
Calif<.ruia 18, 19
Canada, East 19
Canada, West 19
Central America 6, 10, 19
Chronology (Haskell's) . . ^ 14
Coiinecticut 7, IS, 17, 19
Delaware 19
i'^gypt) ^tc 11
Europe (2 sizes) 3
Euronean Battle Fields 18
Florida ." 19
Geography,Tnterinediate(book) 31
Geographic Combination Maps 33
Geography. Physical (book). .. 30
Geographv&llisiory (Goodrich) 26
Georgia.. '. 18, 19
Human Life 11
Illinois 8,19
Indiana (3 sizes) 8, 9
Indiana (book) 1 21
Indiana 19
Iowa 1T,19
Kentucky 9, 13, 19
Lake Superior 19
Long Island (2 sizes) T
Loufsiana 19
Maine ; 19,22
Maryland 19
Massachusetts t, 13, 17, 19
Mexico 4, 6,19
Michigan * 9
Michigan, North 19
Michigan, South 19
Minnesota 14, 19
Mississippi , 19
Mis-souri 17,19
Mountains and Rlyers. 10
National Fl.-igs Page 10
Nebraska and Kansas 13
New Erunsw ick 19, 20
New England 7, 13
New England Gnidc-Book 22
New Ensiand and New York. 7
Newfoundland 19, 23
New HarHpshire 7, 13, 17, 19
New -Jersey 19
New Mexico and Utah 19
New Testament Map 12
New York (State). ... 6, 13, 17, 19
New York (statistical) 23
New York (city) 7, 8, 10, 15
New York (33 miles around). . 7
New York (12 miles around).. 20
North America . . 2
North Carolina. 19
Nova Scotia. 19, 20
Ohio 17,19
Oregon and Washington 19
Ovel-land Guide (Horn) 23
Palestine (2 sizes) 11
Pennsylvania 19
Presidenis. Portraits of 10
Proeress of the United States. 81
Pvhode Island 7, 13, 17, 19
Souih America (2 sizes) 3
South Carolina... 15,19
Southern Slates 22
Stream of Time (Strauss) 10
Tennessee 9, 19
Texas 19,23
United States, etc. (2 sizes). . . 4, 6
United States and Canada .... 5
United States (case) 22
United Stales (outline) 16
United States (Gazetteer) 24
United States' Guide^Book. ... 12
United States (Progress of) ... 31
United States' Poute-Book. ... 12
Utah 19
Vermont 7, 13, 17, 19
Virginia 19
West Indies 3, 4, 19
Western Portraiture 20
Western States 9, 19
Western Tourist » 14
Wisconsin 17, 19
World (3 sizes) 1, 2
World (missionary) 2
World (outline) 16
World, Book of the 14
World, Chronology of 14
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